FPS staff report
July 1, 2008

Gerald Grimes, curator of the Haas Museum in Minerva, welcomes the public to visit the facility during the Minerva 175th birthday celebration this weekend. A display focuses on the history of the village.

There's going to be a birthday party in Minerva this weekend!

The village is planning a 175th birthday bash July 4, 5 and 6. Most of the events will be centered in Brock Park. Walking and driving tours and a flower garden tour will feature area sites and the Minerva Historical Society is providing a display of the village's past.

The Minerva Historical Society and Museum will offer two historic tours of the village.  These will be offered from noon to 5 p.m. each day. Free brochures can be picked up at the Historical Society building on N. Market St. or at the Historical Society booth in the Community Building at Brock Park.

The East Rochester Home and Garden Club is teaming up with the Historical Society to showcase local gardeners' “love of playing in the dirt” July 5.

Tickets for the tour are available at the Haas Museum (Minerva) on Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m., the Minerva Community Building during the birthday celebration or at the Haas Museum July 5. Cost is $7.50 per person. Proceeds will be divided between the sponsoring groups.

An old fashioned parade in the downtown area will begin at 2 p.m. July 5.  Anyone wishing to help with the parade should contact Jake Tarbet at 330-868-5368.

Following is the schedule of events to be held in Brock Park, located just off E. LincolnWay:

July 4
Art-photo and craft show and sale in the Community Building from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Food vendors will be set up along the midway area throughout the day.
Games for kids in the park provided by the YMCA and inflatable toys for kids from noon until 5 p.m.
Community swimming pool open from noon until 8 p.m. with free admission.
Ribs at the Lion's Pavilion from 5-7 p.m.
Picnic in the park from 5-7 p.m.
Entertainment by Russ and Carol Norris from 5-6 p.m.
Recognition of the oldest Minerva families at 6 p.m.
Cake and ice cream at 6:30 p.m.
Entertainment by the band, Bob Foster and Friends, from 7-10 p.m.

July 5
Pancake and sausage breakfast 8-11 a.m. in the Lion's Pavilion.
Art-photo show/sale and craft vendors in the community building from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Kids games beginning at 11 a.m.
Library open house and book sale 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Community Old Fashioned parade at 2 p.m.
Restored 911 fire truck on display at the fire station (across the street from the park).
Pool open noon until 6 p.m. Admission $1.75 for adults and $.75 for children.
Inflatable toys for children from noon until 5 p.m.
Musical entertainment by the band, Tagalongs from 4-6 p.m.
Square dance exhibition from 6-7 p.m.
Entertainment by the youth band, Super Sheep, from 7-10 p.m.
Fireworks at 10 p.m. (Raindate is July 6).

July 6
Art-photo show/sale in the Community Building from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Duck derby (no time set) ducks can be picked up in the Community Building.
Pool open 1-6 p.m. Admission $1.75 for adults and $.75 for children.
Gee-Haw Variety Show 1-5 p.m.
The 175th birthday celebration event began earlier this years and continues through December.
Additional information on the celebration appears elsewhere in this issue.