Home Days brings three days of food, fun

by Dan Holland

Thousands of area residents flocked to Brecksville Town Square June 23-25 to attend Brecksville’s annual Home Days celebration which featured food trucks, fireworks, games, rides and attractions, live entertainment and more.

The featival was made possible by more than 30 area sponsors, including more than a dozen food vendors: Barrio Tacos, East Coast Custard, Funny Cake, Grub Truck, King Tut Egyptian Street Food, Kona Ice, Master Pizza, SipNLick, Southern Thangs, Sticks, Twisted Grill & Grind, Top Dawg and Wrap It Up.

More than a dozen vendor booths lined the upper section of Stadium Drive in front of Brecksville United Methodist Church, while a variety of amusement rides and games were set up at the bottom of Stadium Drive, along with bounce houses, inflatables and games for the younger crowd inside the city’s horticulture building.

Saturday’s events kicked off with the Brecksville Home Days 5K Run & 1-mile Walk, along with the annual BBHHS Alumni Pancake Breakfast. The MetroHealth Life Flight helicopter set down in the field near the old stadium at 5 p.m., followed by a K-9 police dog demonstration involving K-9-unit officers from both the Brecksville and Broadview Heights police departments.

This year’s Home Days Concert Series featured some of the area’s top tribute bands, including Silver Springs (a tribute to Fleetwood Mac), Right Now (a Van Halen Sammy Hagar-era tribute band) and Best of Times (a Styx tribute band).

The fireworks show, which lasted for more than 20 minutes, took place at 10 p.m. on Sunday night.

“It was an honor to preside over Home Days for the first time as the mayor of Brecksville, and connecting with our community in this way was truly special,” Daryl Kingston said. “The energy and enthusiasm from everyone made it a memorable experience, and it was heartwarming to see firsthand how much joy and camaraderie it brought to the community.

“Home Days showcases the spirit of our town, and I am honored and grateful to be part of a cherished tradition. The dedication and hard work from all of the volunteers, bands, vendors and city staff did not go unnoticed and is extremely appreciated, helping to make the event a tremendous success. I am already looking forward to next year’s Home Days.” ∞

Right Now: A Celebration of Hagar-era
Van Halen was one of several entertainment
acts to take the stage during the Home
Days celebration. Photos by Dan Holland

More than a dozen food vendors, including several area food trucks, lined the midway,
along with a variety of amusement rides and carnival-style games.

Matt and Dea Steinmetz of Brecksville
check out the MetroHealth Life Flight
helicopter with their son Freddie as part
of the Brecksville Home Days festivities.