News & Press Releases
June 9, 2009
(by Jeremy Nobile - The Gateway News)Streetsboro Family Days prepares for seventh festival
(By Miles Jung Kilbreath - The Gateway News)

 Streetsboro Family Days is preparing for its seventh annual festival at the end of the month, with Rock - N - Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Mason headlining with a free concert July 31.

 "Everything is going very well and coming together nicely," Family Days Chairman Chuck Kocisko said.

 Family Days will run July 30 through August 2 at City Park on Kirby Lane off of 303 with between 8,000 to 9,000 people expected to attend during the four-day festival, according to Kocisko.

 Kocisko said around 9,000 people attended last year´s festival headlined by American Idol contestant Bucky Covington.

 Highlights of the festival include a concert by former Traffic member Mason, best known for the songs "Feelin´ Alright?" "Hole in my Shoe" and "WE Just Disagree," on July 31.

 Entertainment Coordinator Debbie Carothers said that Mason coming to Streetsboro shows how the music industry has become "very respectful" of Family Days, which is unique to have in a local community.

 "Mason is one of the most respected people in the music industry. He has played  with Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson. He is an example of excellence in music," Carothers said.

 Carothers said local musician and celebrity Michael Stanley will emcee the evening, which will include singing an acoustic song and signing autographs. She said that Stanley being at the festival also shows the recognition they are receiving.

 On August 1, Sonny Geraci, former lead singer of The Outsiders, will also give a free concert at 8:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at around 9:45 p.m., according to Kocisko.

 Among the new events this year that Kocisko said he was excited about is a clothing and food drive with donations going to Portage County Family Services. He said that by speaking with people, he found that summer is normally a hard time to get people to donate to the families in need and wanted Family Days to try and help.

 "It´s the right time for us to get involved. It´s all about helping people," Kocisko said.

 Kocisko Said he is still working on putting the drive together, but there is a possibility it may not occur this year.

 Also new this year, Kocisko said that B.A.R.C., The Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care, will have a law enforcement demonstration August 1 to show how K-9 Officers are used in the field. With the city now having a K-9 Officer, Kocisko said he thought it would be a good opportunity to show off what the dogs can do for residents.

 One concern Kocisko has is the road work being done on Annalane Drive, which could limit parking at the site of the festival. He said, however, that he has been told by school officials that the streets should be opened by July 30.

 The Family Days Car and Bike Show will return on July 30 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., according to Kocisko, with trophies for winning cars and bikes in a number of catagories. Registration is $5 per vehicle, but it is free to attend for spectators.

 For more information, visit www.streetsborofamilydays.org  

06.03.09
Rib Festival a "wonderful success"
Letter of Thanks, The Gateway News

  This year, Streetsboro was the city that kicked off the rib festival season in Ohio. I am happy to report that, despite a bare bones budget, the First Annual Streetsboro National Rib Festival was a wonderful success.

  Streetsboro Family Days Inc., the same non-profit corporation that puts on Streetsboro Family Days every year, organized the event.

  I would like to thank all the festival organizers and workers for their efforts. A special thanks goes out to our main sponsor, Giant Eagle. Thanks also to the Coral Corp., Market Square, and the Gateway News.

  The national rib chefs who participated this year said they were very pleased with the turn-out, and they see a lot of potential in our festival. That says alot because these award winning rib festival experts speak from many years of experience, have attended countless festivals around the country. They want to return next year; we want them back; and that means we have a good thing going here in Streetsboro.

  The sucess of Streetsboro Family Days, the Streetsboro Car Cruise-Ins, and the rib festival shows that Streetsboro is a city of people who appreciate and support opportunities to gather together as a community and have a good time. See you at Streetsboro Family Days in July!
Chuck Kocisko, 
President, Streetsboro Family Days Inc.

03.11.09
Rib season starts in city this year
Streetsboro Rib Festival set for May 14-17
(By Bob Gaetjens - Editor - The Gateway News)

 Rib lovers won´t have to wait until Memorial Day weekend for a festival - the National Rib Season will begin in Streetsboro this year.

Six national "ribbers" will be coming to the area for the Streetsboro Rib Festival May 14 to 17 at Market Square Plaza off Market Square Drive, said Streetsboro Family Days Chair Chuck Kocisko. They "will be going to Cleveland (for the Marc´s Great American Rib Cook-Off) the following week," he said.

 One of those cooks is Jerry Gibson, owner of Pigfoot Barbecue.

 "We´re excited about getting out early," he said. "I was really impressed with the area and the people. Everybody has been so friendly and nice."

 Unlike larger events, the Streetsboro Rib Festival, sponsored by Giant Eagle, will not be a competition, said Kocisko.

 Gibson said running a competition is expensive and complex.

 "The majority (of the cooks) are just there for showmanship," he said. "It´s hard to come up with the prize money."

 Other rib cooks coming to Streetsboro include Mojo´s, Armadillo´s, Texas Outlaws, Famous Dave´s, and Australian BBQ, according to Kocisko.

 Kocisko said there will be other food vendors at the four-day festival, as well.

 A 5 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a Classic Car Cruise is set for May 14.

 Kocisko said he hopes the rib festival can make Streetsboro Family Days some money which it can then use to help support that festival, which takes place the last weekend of July.

 There will be beer served at the fest, according to Kocisko, which should help raise funds for Streetsboro Family Days.

 "If we break even, this being our first year, I´ll be thankful," he said. "It´s done for the community. That´s why we do it."

 Committee member Debbie Carothers said the rib festival is in keeping with the spirit of the group´s mission statement: "To foster a sense of community, goodwill,and pride in Streetsboro."

 Carothers said she´s working to get several area bands to play at the event, including her own, The Robert Jeffrey Band.

 Streetsboro Police Chief Richard A. Taiclet, a member of Streetsboro Family Days, said the festival will require about 28 volunteers.

 Admission to the Streetsboro Rib Festival is free May 14, but $2 per person May 15-17, except for children 10 and under who get in for free. The event will run from 5-11 p.m. May 14, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 15 and 16, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 17, said Kocisko. For more information about volunteering, contact Kocisko at 216-905-8031 or lynkoko@neo.rr.com.
 

08.13.08
Thanks to all who helped with Family Days
(Note of Thanks - The Gateway News)

 As Founder and President of Streetsboro Family Days Inc., I would like to thank all of those who helped make the 2008 Streetsboro Family Days the biggest event ever.

 We had beautiful weather, an excellent entertainment lineup, a great Car & Bike Show, a fantastic fireworks display, and record attendance.

 In part, because of our ability to offer free musical entertainment of such caliber, our festival has been attracting visitors and wide-spread media attention from all over Northeast Ohio. As a result, the buzz about Family Days intensifies every year, and the City of Streetsboro is becoming known to many nationally-acclaimed recording artists and music industry professionals. This would not be possible without the generous support of money, goods, and services from the Streetsboro community. I would like to thank all who helped - there are too many to mention each person individually. Family Days is an example of what can be done when all the various facets of a city join together and contribute their tallent and resources for the benefit of the community. Our biggest problem is figuring out how we will make next year´s event even better.
 Chuck Kocisko - President,
 Streetsboro Family Days Inc.

08.06.08
(by Miles Jung-Kilbreath-The Gateway News)
Weather, big acts help create the "biggest Family Days yet"

Great weather led to the highest turnout ever for Streetsboro Family Days.

Family Days Chair Chuck Kocisko estimates between 8,000 to 10,000 attended the July 31 through August 3 festival.

"This was the first time it did not rain once in the six years of Family Days. The weather and entertainment helped bring in the people," Kocisko said.

Attendance was boosted by the August 1 free concert, featuring "American Idol" Top 10 finalist and country music singer Bucky Covington and the Nelson Brothers, twin sons of singer Ricky Nelson, which Kocisko said brought in between 4,000 to 5,000 guests.

Another 3,000 attendees came to Streetsboro on the evening of August 2 for a free concert, featuring Billy Joe Royal and Sonny Geraci and a fireworks show.

Kocisko said there were no problems with the festivals first beer garden. Only one person was denied drinks, and there were no drinking related problems during the festival.

According to Police,there were no major incidents during Streetsboro Family Days.

"We had people thanking us for having beer, so we hope to have it back next year," said Kocisko.

Kocisko also thanked the dedication of the City Administration, local volunteers and residents for creating the "biggest Family Days yet."

"The only two problems we will have next year is how to handle the growing need for parking and how we are going to top ourselves," Kocisko said.

Remembering local heroes 
The festival started on a somber note as the community paid tribute to two fallen local heroes, along with all members of the armed forces both past and present.

"I bring greetings from Columbus to help honor those who are no longer with us," State Rep. Kathleen Chandler said. "We are honored by their sacrifice."

The families of Streetsboro´s Cpl. Jason Hernandez, who died in Iraq last year September, and Edinburgh´s Cpl. Benjamin Dillon, who died in Iraq in October, helped cut the opening ribbon to kick off the four day festival July 31. 

Jason´s wife Alisha Hernandez, father John Hernandez, mother Uta Hernandez, sister Angela Hernandez and brother Aaron Hernandez stood along with Dillon´s mother, Linda Dillon, and his aunt, Beverly Nissel.

The ceremony started with Streetsboro´s American Legion Post 685 raising the American flag as Portage County Commissioner Chuck Keiper sang the national anthem.

Mayor Tom Wagner said a variety of dignitaries were present to honor the Hernandez family "who made the ultimate sacrifice with a son who was defending our country."

Attendees included Streetsboro Police Chief Richard Taiclet, Fire Chief Wayne Johnson, county commissioners Chris Smeiles and Moureen Fredrick. Auditor Janet Esposito also attended the festivals opening ceremony.

"God bless you and God bless him. I know he is up there," Wagner told the soldier´s family during his speach.

Wagner also thanked Family Days Chair and Founder Chuck Kocisko and all the Family Days volunteers for working to create an event that "grows larger and larger each year."

After the ceremony, John Hernandez said he has never seen a community come together, especially it´s youth, like it did to help support his family after Jason´s death.

"I´m very greatful for what the city has done. I try to say ´thank you´ to everyone and now I feel like we owe the city again," John said.

John said his family is still dealing with Jason´s death and continue to miss him everyday.

"I think it´s important that they are showing support for all our troops and not just my son. It shows that Streetsboro supports them, and it´s how our nation should be supporting them," John said.

Nissel, a Streetsboro resident, said she was proud to have Dillon honored at the ceremony which shows unity between all communities who lose "loved ones."


07.30.08
Free rides for early birds August 3rd.
(Bob Gaetjens - Editor - The Gateway News)


 Sunday is Kids Day at Streetsboro Family Days, and, for the first 200 kids ages 10 and under to enter the festival grounds, that means free rides for the day.

 The festival opens at noon august 3rd.

 "At 11 a.m., there are already 100 children lined up," said Kocisko.

 The afternoon´s other festivities include a Dog Show, a Roaming Magician, and numberous games, rides,and food.

 Kocisko thanked The Step 2 Co. for sponsoring "Kids Day."

 "I just want it known that we are so thankful for not only the businesses that have supported us, but all the folks who have given their time volunteering for us," he said.

 Dotti Franks, Step 2 Co. Vice President of Marketing Communications, said the company wants to support the community whenever possible.

 "One of our founding principles is to do right by the communities in which we have our manufacturing facilities," she said.

 Children also enjoy the Dog Show, which will include awards for: Smallest, Largest, Cutest, Most Distinguished, Best Look-a-Like, and Best Costume, said Kocisko.

 Pet owners should bring their scooping paraphernalia, and a towel if their dogs want to cool off in one of the "Pooch Pools."

 Registration for the Dog Show will begin at 2 p.m.. For more information, visit www.streetsborofamilydays.org


07.30.08
Annual Car & Bike Show returns
(Miles Jung Kilbreath - The Gateway News)


 Owners and fans of classic cars and bikes can see some of the best vehicles in the area July 31 at the Streetsboro Family Days Car & Bike Show, sponsored by Streetsboro´s Action Autobody.

 "If the weather stays good, we will probably have a couple hundred  cars and bikes show up," Family Days Chairman Chuck Kocisko said.

 The Car & Bike Show will run from 5-9p.m. at the City Park and will take place rain or shine, according to Kocisko.

 The cost for registering a car or bike is $5 and must be paid before entering the show area. With each fee paid, motorists will also receive a 50/50 raffle ticket and a door prize ticket.

 Trophies for the Show were provided by Streetsboro´s Action Auto Body owner Mark Thompson and will be between 2 and 5 feet tall. Thompson said the 37 trophies that motorists can win come from his personal collection of racing trophies that he has won over the last 39 years.

 "I know how much these trophies can mean to someone who puts pride into their work on a car, Thompson said.

 Thompson said some of his employees at Action Auto Body will be among the judges at the Show, and he is proud to be a sponsor of the event.

 "It´s a local Streetsboro event that I hope many people in the community will want to be involved in," Thompson said.

 The first 100 registered cars and first 50 registered bikes will receive a special 2008 Family Days dash plaque.

 The Car catagories for this years Show include: Pre-´48, Post ´48, Truck, Drag, Antique, (25 years old and older) Stock, Tuner, Best Paint, Best Chrome,  and the Streetsboro Family Days "Best of Show."

 The Bike catagories for this years show include: Stock, (american) Stock, (metric) Custom, (american) Custom, (metric) Trike, Antique (25 years old and older), Chopper, Bagger, Cruiser, and the Streetsboro Family Days "Best of Show."

 For more information, visit www.streetsborofamilydays.org  



07.30.08
Tribute to Hernandez planned
(Miles Jung Kilbreath - The Gateway News)


 Streetsboro Family Days will honor Cpl. Jason Hernandez, who died  in Iraq last September, during its opening ceremonies July 31 at 4 p.m.

 "He´s our hometown boy, and we don´t want people to forget him. Family Days has always, and will always, honor our service men and women when we open each year," Streetsboro Family Days Chairman Chuck Kocisko said.

 Kocisko said Hernandez´s parents, Uta and John Hernandez, and his widow, Alisha, will attend the ceremony in his memory.

 Cpl. Hernandez, a 2005 Streetsboro High School graduate and Cavalry Scout with the Army´s First Division of the Ninth Cavalry, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Bliss, died September 7, 2007 - his 21st birthday - in Mosul, Iraq, from an improvised explosive devise explosion, according to the U.S. Department of Defence.

 The ceremony will feature Streetsboro´s American Legion Post 685, Streetsboro´s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9716, and the Vietnam Veterans´ organization Rolling Thunder in a flag raising ceremony as Portage County Commissioner Chuck Keiper sings our National Anthem.

 Following the flag raising, State Representitive Kathleen Chandler will give a short speach before a ribbon cutting to officially start the festival.


07.30.08
Streetsboro Family Days are here again
(Miles Jung Kilbreath - The Gateway News)

 The region is invited to Streetsboro for food, fun, fireworks, and entertainment the weekend of July 31 for the annual Streetsboro Family Days Festival.

 "We feel it is the greatest amount of entertainment and attractions a family can experience for only $2 for parking," Streetsboro Family Days Inc. Founder and Chairman Chuck Kocisko said.

 The festival will take place at City Park and the school campus area on Kirby Lane off of Rt. 303. Addmission for the festival is free, but parking will cost $2 per vehicle.

 Depending on the weather, Kocisko said planners hope to attract between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees over the event´s four days based on the strength of its free musical acts, rides, and activities. He said between 3,000 to 4,000 people attended the festival over a stormy weekend last year.

 Family Days will be open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 31 and August 1; from noon to 11 p.m. on August 2; and from noon to 6 p.m. on August 3.

 Kocisko said he founded Streetsboro Family Days because he wanted to bring an event to Streetsboro that would enable the community to come together each year like he remembered from his days growing up in Cleveland. He said after former Mayor Joe Collica supported the effort in 2002, Kocisko and a growing number of volunteers were able to put the first festival together in about a year.

 "We are a non-profit organization and have somehow been lucky to be in the black (financially) every year. Sometimes it´s not alot of money, since we try to put everything we have into Family Days, but we never owe any money," Kocisko said.

 Family Days for Kocisko is a year-round job. He said he fields phone calls, organizes fundraising, and seeks for new volunteers every day of the year.

 The city has been more supportive of Family Days than ever this year, according to Kocisko. He said Mayor Tom Wagner and City Council have made a difference in getting many things done both behind the scenes and at City Park.

 City workers would come to City Park as we were putting up tents and working on the stage and ask, ´What can we do to help?´" Kocisko said.

 The fireworks starting at around 10 p.m. on August 2 will be "a tremendous show" according to Kocisko. He said the program sponsored by the Streetsboro Visitors and Convention Bureau would be "our biggest show" and have "very little dark time" throughout.

 Brown´s Amusement will provide a few more rides this year, growing from 11 rides last year to around 12 to 15 rides this year, according to Kocisko. He also said a number of carnival games with prizes will be available for guests to play.

 While attending the festival, Kocisko said people can visit around 38 booths featuring crafts, community organizations, local vendors and political committees.

 Kocisko said the festival will feature two nights of concerts at the main stage at City Park. Performing August 1 are The Robert Jeffrey Band at 7 p.m., The Nelson Brothers, Matthew and Gunner Nelson, the twin sons of the late Ricky Nelson around 8:15 p.m., and country music singer and former American Idol finalist Bucky Covington at around 9 p.m..

 Performing August 2 will be the The Outsiders lead singer Sonny Geraci at around 7:45 p.m., followed by Billy Joe Royal at around 8:30 p.m.. Buddy Dee and the Hitmen also will perform August 2, first at 7 p.m. and again following the fireworks display.

 If it rains during a scheduled performance, Kocisko said concerts will be moved into the high school gymnasium adjacent to the main festival area.

 On August 3, Step 2 Co. will sponsor Kids Day when the first 200 children ages 10 and under will receive free wristbands for unlimited rides starting at noon. The wristband giveaway will be "first come, first served" with no replacements for lost or damaged bands, according to Kocisko.

 Family Days will feature a "Beer Garden" for the first time during the festival, according to Kocisko.

 He said the "Beer Garden" will be the ONLY place alcohol can be purchased and consumed, and ALL patrons must have a wrist band provided at the entrance to make a purchase. An on-duty Police Officer will be stationed at the entrance of the area and servers can deny purchase of alcohol to a customer at their discretion if they feel a person has "had enough to drink," according to Kocisko.

 While attending the festival is free, parking will be located at school buildings with a $2 parking fee per car. Kocisko said free busing will be available from the high school to the main festival site for seniors and the handicapped.

 For more information on events at the festival, visit www.streetsborofamilydays.org .

04.02.08
Covington to play Family Days
(Miles Jung Kilbreath - The Gateway News)

 The big acts continue to come to Streetsboro Family Days, the city´s annual four-day summer festival.

 This years headline acts are 2005-06 American Idol Top 10 contestant Bucky Covington and 60´s rock & oldies artist Billy Joe Royal, each presenting free concerts, according to Debbie Carothers, Entertainment Directer for Streetsboro Family Days Inc..

 "These are two great performers that will again bring people out to see Family Days and Streetsboro," said Family Days Chairman Chuck Kocisko.

 The festival, free of charge for all guests, will take place July 31 through August  3 at City Park off Rt. 303. Parking for the event will be $2 per vehicle.

 Covington will play on the City Park stage August 1 and Royal will play at the same location on August 2.

 Covington, who placed eighth in 2006´s edition of the reality show, has continued his country career with two singles placing on the country chart: "A Different World" and "Its Good To Be Us."

 The Nelson Brothers, sons of the late Ricky Nelson, will open for Covington August 2, said Carothers.

 Covington also was nominated for a 2008 Country Music Television Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year for his video of "A Different World."

 "We´re very excited about getting Bucky this year," said Carothers. "The timing is perfect. He has a hit on the charts; he´s in demand; and he puts on a good show."

 Royal is known for his ´60s singles "Down in the Boondocks" and "Cherry Hill Park," before turning to country in the ´80s with singles "Burn Like a Rocket" and "I´ll Pin a Note on Your Pillow."

 "Royal is one of the best singers in the business," Carothers said.

 On August 3, Kocisko said there may be a singing competition, complete with celebrity judges.

 Kocisko said there would be an eating contest prior to the August 2 Billy Joe Royal concert.

 The four-day festival includes rides, food, on-going entertainment, and booths for buisinesses and organizations to distribute information. For more information, visit www.streetsborofamilydays.org


03.26.08
Family Days can sell beer at annual summer festival, says City Council
(Miles Jung Kilbreath - The Gateway News)

 Guests at Streetsboro Family Days this July will be able to raise a glass of beer during festivities, after City Council unanimously voted 7-0 March 24 to allow beer sales at City Park during the event.

 "This could help take Family Days to the next level," said Streetsboro Family Days Chair and former Council member Chuck Kocisko to Council.

 At a January Council meeting, Kocisko asked Council to reconsider allowing beer sales at the event that takes place July 24 through 27.

 Council previously declined to allow beer sales at the park in 2006.

 Since the festival has never sold beer before, Kocisko said he doesn´t know how much money the organization would make from sales. He said St. Joseph´s Church´s Annual Ox Roast in Mantua makes around $40,000 from beer sales.

 Resident John Ataman spoke against serving beer during the March 17 City Council meeting. "I´ll fight like hell on letting you sell beer" he said asking Council to let voters decide the matter at the ballot.

 Kocisko said the beer would be sold in a tent near the main festival stage, on City property, accross from Campus Elementary School.

 Kocisko added the area would be roped off, and beer drinkers would not be allowed to leave the roped off area.

 "We do this for the community," said Kocisko. "We are a non-profit organization, and we will not see a dime of this money on a personal level."

 While pricing and a vendor for the beer have not been designated yet, Kocisko said Streetsboro Family Days volunteers would watch to make sure people do not drink too much or become too aggressive.

 Streetsboro Family Days has not set a limit on the number of drinks a person can have, he said.

 According to the ordinance Council passed permitting beer sales, Streetsboro Family Days Inc. must provide insurance that "is adequate in the view of the city law department."

 Kocisko  said Streetsboro Family Days Inc. takes out a $2 Million insurance policy for the festival, covering the city and the schools adjacent to City Park, which he believes the Law Department would find "adequate."