Recently, Board member Steve Salvi shared his perspective on the matter. Salvi stated that he only learned about the decision to end the Strawberry Tent after being contacted by a Strawberry Festival committee member who was left out of the decision-making process. Expressing his concern, Salvi highlighted the importance of the tent to Festival attendees and its contribution to the Bedford Historical Society’s (BHS) operations. Salvi, having been a long-time volunteer worker, requested the profit and loss financial statement for the tent, aiming to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of the organization.

Salvi underscored the critical role of board members in providing oversight and performing due diligence. He expressed disappointment in the response received from Sandy Spinks, the current board president, who seemingly discouraged questioning and inquiry into the decision-making process and financial records related to the Strawberry Tent. Salvi emphasized the need for open dialogue and informed decision-making, suggesting that the entire board should be aware of the tent’s profitability and have the opportunity to discuss its future.

Moreover, Salvi highlighted concerns about the decision being made without input from key members of the Festival Committee, including a volunteer who has managed the Strawberry Tent for 30 years. Anticipating a resolution to the issue, Salvi expressed optimism for the upcoming 60th Anniversary of the BHS Strawberry Festival.

In response to these discussions, Betsy Lee, Director of the Bedford Historical Society, clarified that these changes are currently only in the discussion phase. Lee emphasized that The Bedford Historical Society is still exploring various options and considering community feedback before making any final decisions.

Other community members have also stated concerns that the lack of volunteers for the Strawberry Festival may be part of the issue.

As the dialogue surrounding the Bedford Strawberry Festival continues, residents and festival supporters remain hopeful for a balanced approach that considers both tradition and innovation. They urge the Board of Trustees to engage in open dialogue with the community and ensure decisions are made transparently and inclusively.

Efforts to obtain comments from other Board members regarding the Strawberry Tent issue have been unsuccessful thus far. The future of the Strawberry Festival’s Strawberry Tent remains uncertain, and the community eagerly awaits updates on the situation.

Correction: the last sentence was revised on 2/8/2024 to improve clarity.

Correction: title corrected for Betsy Lee on 2/8/2024.

Correction: name added for the Board President on 2/8/2024.

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The post BHS Considers Changes to Bedford Strawberry Festival Amid Board Member Concerns first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Located at the Bedford Commons, the event welcomes attendees to participate in a variety of activities, including workshops, rituals, and musical performances. This year the event will feature artist, best-selling author, performer, and witch, Laura Tempest Zakroff as well as Cleveland-based emo band, This Summer.

One unique aspect of this event is the call for attendees to contribute to a food bank either with cash donations or at least two non-perishable food items per person upon entrance, reflecting the community’s commitment to social responsibility.

The event encourages participation from a diverse audience and emphasizes inclusivity. While registration isn’t required, it helps organizers estimate the number of attendees. Crossroads Universal’s website provides comprehensive information about the event, including schedules and ways to get involved as event volunteers, sponsors, or workshop hosts.

Cleveland Pagan Pride offers a family-friendly atmosphere where individuals can engage in discussions, learn about Paganism, and enjoy various festivities. The event showcases the rich diversity of pagan traditions and provides a safe space for individuals to connect, learn, and celebrate. By bringing together a vibrant community, the event aligns with Crossroads Universal’s mission of promoting positive impacts, self-discovery, and service to others.

For those interested in exploring the event further, including program details and opportunities for involvement, the official event page can be found on the Crossroads Universal website.

Friday 8/18 from 5-10pm

Saturday 8/19 from 12-10pm

Sunday 8/20 from 12-5pm

The post Cleveland Pagan Pride Festival Set for August 18-20, 2023 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

First Friday Party in the USA
When: July 2 at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Veterans Park in Bedford’s Historic Downtown District 

For more information visit:  

www.facebook.com/BedfordDowntown

The Bedford Downtown Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and improving downtown’s business vitality. First Fridays provide extended shopping hours, food, music, games, raffles, and giveaways for all attendees. Events take place in Bedford’s historic downtown district between Columbus Road and Bedford Commons the first Friday of each month from May through October from 6 pm. to 8 p.m.  

The post July’s First Friday to commemorate nation’s birth with a ‘USA party’ first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

First Friday Celebrate Hometown Heroes
When: June 4 at 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Veterans Park in Bedford’s Historic Downtown District  

• Chalk the Walk – sidewalks around the Bedford Commons
• Meet & Greet local safety forces
• Food
• Complimentary hotdog meals at Veterans Park (while supplies last)
• $1 pizza slices at the Tomato Co.
• Extended shopping hours at participating stores
• Free raffles – Enter to win prizes donated by Bedford businesses
• Jumbo cards for Hometown Heroes
• Nominate a teacher entry
• DJ entertainment
• Free giveaway
– The first 25 groups and/or households to check-in at the BDA Promotions table  • Basketball hoops
• Games and prizes 

For more information visit:  

www.facebook.com/BedfordDowntown

The Bedford Downtown Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and improving downtown’s business vitality. First Fridays provide extended shopping hours, food, music, games, raffles, and giveaways for all attendees. Events take place in Bedford’s historic downtown district between Columbus Road and Bedford Commons the first Fridays of each month from May through October from 6 pm. to 8 p.m.  

The post June’s First Friday celebration to highlight ‘Hometown Heroes’ first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

First Friday’s provide extended shopping hours, food, music, games, raffles, and giveaways for all attendees. Events take place in Bedford’s historic downtown district between Columbus Road and Bedford Commons the first Fridays of each month from May through October from 6 pm. to 8 p.m.  

First Friday Kickoff Party 
When: Friday, May 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  
Where: Veterans Park in Bedford’s Historic Downtown District  

Join your community for an evening of fun with activities for all ages including:

• Extended shopping hours for participating stores 
• Food
– $1 pizza slices at The Tomato Co.
– Miss Sharon’s Food Truck 
• 3 Raffle tables
– Enter to win 3 raffle baskets (donated by Bedford business’s)
– Winners will be announced at 7:30pm 
• Games with prizes
– Prize Wheel
– Hacky Sack Punch Game
– Fishing Game
– Connect Four
– Basketball Shooting
– ADULTS ONLY: Bar BINGO 
• Giveaways
– The first 25 groups and/or households to check in will receive a First Friday mug created by Koppel Advertising. 

For more information visit: www.bedforddowntown.org

The post Residents invited downtown to enjoy return of First Friday series first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

This will be the third year the Downtown Alliance has held this event — its biggest fundraiser of the year. Cathy Chaich, who is president of the 501(c)3 non-profit organization, said that despite the pandemic, they still wanted to find a way to stage the event. She said the organizers had to “think outside the box” in order to make sure that the walk would not only be a fun — but also safe — day for all. Chaich said more than 30 downtown businesses are involved with the event this year.

The Chocolate Walk will allow participants a variety of ways to join in the fun, one of which is to not “walk” at all. A “drive through” will be set up by the Train Depot behind the Historic Bedford Square that will allow attenders to pick up goodies while staying within their vehicles, depending on the type of tickets they have purchased. At this point, ticket holders could drive away and enjoy their chocolate and other goodies on their own, or they can park their vehicle and participate in other activities. Mask usage will be required as well as safe social-distancing.

There are three choices of tickets that can be purchased in different combinations. The first ticket is the General Admission Ticket for $20. Under non-COVID conditions, this ticket would have allowed a participant the opportunity to peruse downtown establishments, and gather chocolate treats at those different businesses. This year, all of the chocolate from the different participating businesses will be gathered together in a box for a convenient drive-through pickup. But that’s not all, a general admission ticket also provides for a coupon booklet for special deals and savings at downtown stores, along with a program featuring all of the participating Chocolate Walk businesses. The ticket can also be redeemed at Sirna’s Cafe´ for a glass of wine and at DePompei’s Broadway Gardens for chocolate shot. The admission even provides for a token redeemable at the Tavern Off Broadway for a buy-one-get-one-free drink.

Two additional ticket options include the $20 Wine Pull Ticket and the $10 Mystery Gift Card Punch Board Ticket. The Wine Pull Ticket allows each participant the opportunity to pick a wine bag containing a mystery bottle of wine or spirits, again using the drive-though process. One of the bottle choice possibilities will be a limited release Mount Gay’s 1703 Master Select Barbados Rum, valued at around $300, according to Chaich.

If participants choose the Mystery Gift Card ticket, they will be given the chance to pick a gift card that will be at least valued at $10, but could be for much more. If attenders choose to buy all three tickets or the “trifecta,” they will be entered into a special drawing for a Fuji Comfort Cruiser Cape May bicycle donated by The Broadway Cyclery.

While the drive-though options allow those people to participate who do not feel comfortable walking about town, the hope is that a number of participants visit local businesses for different specials and socially distanced activities. One of those free activities is the Chocolate Walk hat decoration contest at Sirna’s Cafe at 2:30 p.m. Attenders are encouraged to fashion a chocolate/candy-themed hat to win prizes. “Oompa Loompas” will be judging the hats, and the contest will take place outside and will be socially distanced. Sirna’s will also be having food specials throughout the day.

Salcity Dance Studio will be holding free carnival-type games at their studio from 12-3 p.m. The games will be spaced out in a way to keep those playing at a safe distance from each other. Many of the businesses downtown also will be open for visits and will have specials, with masks wearing and social distancing required. A Surprise Shopper will be out and about to randomly award gifts to those Chocolate Walk participants shopping downtown from 12-3 p.m.

According to its website, the Bedford Downtown Alliance has the mission to help revitalize and sustain historic Downtown Bedford. Along with the Chocolate Walks, the group has been involved with the First Friday parties, Small Business Saturdays, and the Underground Railroad mural unveiled this year, among other ventures.

As part of that mission, the Downtown Alliance has a goal to familiarize others with the businesses that are located downtown. Chaich said that some people visit downtown and find there is a new business that they had never seen before. She said that Bedford’s downtown is a “hidden gem” and that connecting the community to downtown helps to revitalize the historic area.

“We should be proud of our downtown,” she said.

According to the website, the organization is working towards the designation of a “Main Street City” in Ohio. In order to gain that title, there are a variety of benchmarks the organization must reach. The Downtown Alliance is working as an affiliate with a group called Heritage Ohio to achieve those goals.

If you would like to volunteer to help with this mission, you can visit the website to volunteer or become of member.

Tickets for the Chocolate Walk can be purchased here. The event will take place regardless of weather, and tickets are not refundable. The Chocolate Walk event itself is designated only for those 21 years or older, but anyone can come down and experience the free activities or visit the businesses as usual.

The post Annual Chocolate Walk offers drive-through option this year first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The 2nd Annual Chocolate Walk, hosted by the Bedford Downtown Alliance, happens this Saturday, February 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 each. Click here to buy tickets. This event is limited to only 200 tickets, so buy your tickets now so you don’t miss out!

Ticket holders will be given a map of participating businesses, a bag to collect their sweet treats and a free glass of wine with a ticket.

More fun can be had when you purchase additional tickets for the Wine Pull. Purchase a “Pull” ticket for $20 and take home a mystery bottle of wine or spirits. The grand prize is a bottle of Angel’s Envy Oloroso Sherry Cask Bourbon. It retails for $200 but it is considered a rare bourbon because only 3,600 bottles were made, and it was only sold in the State of Kentucky through a lottery system or from the distillery itself. Some online retailers now have it listed for as much as $450, and the price will only go up from here.

There will also be a Gift Card Punch Game where you can purchase a “Punch” ticket for $10 and punch to win a mystery gift card. You can participate in a 50/50 Raffle.

All proceeds will benefit the Bedford Downtown Alliance, a 501c3 nonprofit are dedicated to revitalizing and sustaining historic Bedford Downtown.

*The event is intended for adults aged 21 and older.This event will take place rain (or snow!) or shine and tickets are non-refundable

The post Bring your Valentine to the 2nd Annual Chocolate Walk in Bedford first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The celebration will include:
·         Free rides on the famous “Lolly the Trolley”
·      Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus… remember to bring your camera! 
·         A puppet show
·         Holiday stories read by our Children’s Librarian
·         The Balloon Bender
·         A Children’s Craft Tent
·  Open house at The Purr-fect Place (Valley Save-A-Pet)
·  The Historical Museum and the Dunham House will be open for touring
·         Santa’s Pixie Shoppe
·         And much more!

You will be able to enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores with the Scouts of Troop 447 at “Scout Alley,” located behind Veterans’ Park along Broadway.  The Scouts will also provide a fire to keep you warm and to toast marshmallows! Remember to bring nonperishable food items to “fill the truck” to help local food pantries and holiday baskets.

The Girl Scouts will be present as well and will be in charge of collecting pet food and pet supplies (blankets, toys, etc.). These items will be given to local animal shelters.

The entire day is FREE !!!

For more information:
contact@christmasinbedfordfalls.com
or call 440-232-1600 and leave message for Gina or Dot.

The post Historic Bedford welcomes all to ‘Christmas in Bedford Falls’ first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post First Fridays features chalk art festival, Wizard of Oz on the square first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The event will run from 6 until 9 p.m. and will include assistance from line dancing demonstrator Robert Johnson Jr. There will also be bounce houses for the children, as well as free hot dogs and other vendors.

If an attendee brings school supply donations to the square on the evening of the dance, that person’s name will be entered in a raffle. Names will be drawn at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

“It’s nice family fun that everyone can enjoy,” said Foreman.

For information about other events, joining the Bedford Downtown Alliance, or the Saturday Pooka Pickups, go to bedforddowntown.org

The post August’s First Friday event offers line dancing, bounce houses first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.