Community Festival Honoring Veterans to be Saturday, August 3, 2013; ANNOUNCING: Congressman Louis S

Posted July 23, 2013 in Press Releases

The annual Community Salute to Veterans and Rib Burn-off is Saturday, August 3, 2013 on Magnolia Drive between the Louis Stokes VA Hospital and Mt. Zion Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 10723 Magnolia Drive.

“This is a fun, family event to honor veterans, their commitment to our country, and their sacrifices. This festival is in the form of an old fashioned community get-together,” said the Rev. Paul Hobson Sadler, Sr., Pastor of Mt. Zion Congregational Church UCC, one of the sponsors of the event.

“Honoring veterans is particularly noteworthy this year since we are honoring Congressman Louis Stokes, and recognizing all that he has done for Cleveland and veterans,” said Calvin M. Curry, Chief, Voluntary Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center provides care to more than 105,000 Veterans each year and was named in honor of Louis Stokes.

Free and open to the public, this community-building event features a ceremony with local dignitaries, live entertainment, classic cars, community booths, and children’s games, plus a centerpiece of the festival, the food including ribs and side dishes.

The festival begins at Lakeview Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. with a wreath laying ceremony at the grave of a local veteran. Following the ceremony, classic cars and guests will proceed from the cemetery through Wade Oval to the festival on Magnolia Drive. Local favorite BBQ rib and chicken cooks will be presenting a wide selection of rib or chicken dinners. Entertainment and activities continue until 5:00 p.m.

Each year, the Community Festival honors a local veteran for his or her dedication to the community and country. The 2013 Festival Honoree is Congressman Louis Stokes.

“We are delighted to be supporting the Community Festival featuring the ‘Classic Car Show and Rib Burnoff’ on Magnolia Drive,” said Gainor Davis, President and CEO Western Reserve Historical Society. “We are especially pleased to be involved this year because Lou Stokes is the honoree. Congressman Stokes is a member of our Board and, as this recognition affirms, he has been a dedicated public servant improving the lives of Clevelanders and veterans throughout his career. It is good to see Congressman Stokes receive this recognition from the community.”

The community Festival is presented by Mt. Zion Congregational United Church of Christ, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Lake View Cemetery, and University Circle Incorporated.