A Look Back At 2019 - We Are Parma Proud
In the Spring of 2019 a handful of people met to discuss the creation of a new nonprofit, We Are Parma Proud, based on, Proud of Parma, an organization that served Parma well for a great many years. The mission is to advance, develop and improve the image of Parma. A mission that is as viable today as it was back in the day, when Proud of Parma was created.
In June We Are Parma Proud volunteered our services at the Rib-n-Rock. A town hall meeting was our kick-off, inviting individuals, other nonprofits, businesses and government officials to hear who we were and what we are about. We asked you, the public, what you wanted, and we listened. Since that meeting we’ve continued to receive numerous emails and messages on our Facebook page, with family fun ideas to bring us together as a community. In August there was Picnic In The Park, a community picnic, complete with adult and children games, live music, food trucks, and various local nonprofits, at Anthony Zielenski Park.
In mid September planning began for Frosty’s Fest, which was held in conjunction with the Parma Holiday Parade, on December 8th. It was a huge success. Thousands attended. It was held in the historic Ridgewood Golf Course Clubhouse, both indoors and out. For sale were three local bakeries selling holiday cookies, a hot food truck, and We Are Parma Proud’s official logo tees. Free fresh popped popcorn, s’mores, and hot chocolate for all. Kids received a free stuffed animal as they visited with Santa, got a free photo with Santa, the opportunity to make and take home a free ornament, and had their face painted by a professional face painter. There was live music, and choirs performing. Attendees got to watch an ice sculptor work live with various chain saws and chisels, creating a masterpiece in ice. Adults had the opportunity to sit at the bar in the clubhouse and watch the Brown’s win, while enjoying an adult beverage.
During Frosty’s Fest, I had the opportunity to chat with several of the attendees. One woman, who attended with her Great-Grandchildren said, “This event reminds me of the community events we used to have here in Parma when I was young.” A young Mom, with her three children said, “This is so nice. I hope you do this next year.” Mayor DeGreeter told me, “You guys hit a grand slam with Frosty’s Fest.” Looks like Frosty’s Fest will be back in 2020 folks.
The last six months of 2019, reminded me of that memorable line from the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, he will come.” I say, "If you plan it, they will come." Frosty’s Fest was planned and executed in a span of less than 3 months. A handful of local residents, a few government officials, and several local businesses came together and provided the community with an event filled with the holiday spirit, that was free and open to the public. We Are Parma Proud is proud to be a part of this community.
Going forward into 2020, We Are Parma Proud wants you to share your feedback and your ideas with us. Help us to make this community the best place in Ohio to raise a family. Volunteer for an event, or join us in our planning sessions. Please follow us on the We Are Parma Proud Facebook page. You can send us an email at parmaproud1@gmail.com.
Kathryn Mabin
Board Secretary of Parma Area Fine Arts Council, Inc, or PAFAC, and Artist/Jewlery Designer, Owner Aire of Oppulence.