Committee President John Muranko believes that goal has been accomplished yet again with the 59th Annual Frontier Days, to be held Friday through Sunday at Todd Field.
"Our motto is 'Continuing the Tradition,' " Muranko said. "We always bring a nice mix of entertainment, but it's a place where people can come to have a good old-fashioned friendly time."
Those who attend this year's festival, which runs from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, will find many old favorites, including the parade, kiddie tractor pull and rides.
Also sure to please the crowd will be the new Black Lightning Wild West Show.
"They are a family that uses bull whips to do tricks like cutting paper that's in someone's mouth," Muranko said. "We think people will really find them exciting."
A popular act that is back after being away last year is Dave Jenkins and his Hillside Farms Border Collies.
"The herding demo was a favorite for a lot of people, and Dave couldn't make it last year, but he's back this year, so I think a lot of people will be excited about that," Muranko said.
Muranko said some new children's games will be added to the mix this year, including kite flying and a bubble-blowing contest.
Musical entertainment will be provided by several different bands and a disc jockey, and a dozen food vendors will be on hand, including a new booth by Cabana's Island in Mentor.
"They have wonderful food and will be selling clams, shrimp baskets and fish sandwiches," Muranko said.
The Frontier Days Parade, which steps off at 2 p.m. Sunday from South High School, will follow the same route as in past years, heading down Euclid Avenue, through downtown Willoughby, to Todd Field.
Each year, the Frontier Days Committee chooses a Pioneer Award recipient.
This year's award will go to JoAnn Ramsey, who heads the food pantry at Willoughby Methodist Church.
"She's been chosen for her community service and her thoughtfulness in making sure people have enough food on the table," Muranko said. "She's always concerned about it, and her job goes on throughout the year."
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Friday
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Sparkles the Clown.
7 p.m. - Opening ceremonies/presentation of Pioneer Award; registration for kiddie tractor pull.
7 to 11 p.m. - Music by Block Logik and Crash-n-Burn DJ during breaks.
6 to 9 p.m. - Model train exhibit at city hall.
Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Ramrod Busters encampment.
8 a.m. to noon - Pancake breakfast at Masonic Temple in downtown Willoughby.
8 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Model train exhibit at city hall.
n Noon - Kids games.
n Dave Jenkins Hillside Farms Border Collies - Daily schedule posted on field.
3 to 5 p.m. - Swing Time Big Band.
3:30 p.m. - Jungle Terry's Adventure Safari.
4 and 8:30 p.m. - Black Lightning Wild West Show.
6 to 8 p.m. - Sparkles the Clown.
6 to 8 p.m. - Music by Abbey Rodeo.
8:30 to 10 p.m. - Candlelight tours of Ramrod Busters Encampment at Daniels Park.
9 to 11 p.m. - Carlos Jones and the Plus Band.
Sunday
8 a.m. to noon - Pancake breakfast at Masonic Temple in downtown Willoughby.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Model train exhibit at city hall.
Noon - Fifth annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run.
Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Arts and crafts for kids.
1 p.m. - Music by Wojtila Brothers Trio.
2 p.m. - Parade steps off.
3:30 p.m. - Jungle Terry's Adventure Safari.
4 p.m. - Awards ceremony.
5 to 6 p.m. - Magic show.
5 to 7 p.m. - Sparkles the Clown.
6 to 8 p.m. - Music by The Girls.
