A Fun Fest to remember at the Spirit of Macedonia Fun Fest with Director of Parks & Recreation, Angela (Gmerek) Manley
BY: Felicia Naoum
MACEDONIA, OH – The city of Macedonia’s Park and Recreations Department (www.macrec.com) surely knows what their city needs. They are the one’s who bring FUN to life – and spend all year doing so in order to prepare for the event that their residents wait for each year! There can’t be many better ways to kick-off the near-arrival of early summer than to have a Fun Fest? Everything about spring and summer should scream FUN, right? Well the city of Macedonia thinks so! Add a little…okay maybe a lot of downpour with high winds and you have perhaps on of the most fun “Fun Fest” in the history of Macedonia Fun Fest! Macedonia wrapped up its 2016 Fun Fest and NordoniaHills.News is here to give you the recap, and what to be on the lookout for next year!
I had the opportunity to interview Angela (Gmerek) Manley, the Director of Parks & Recreation for the Macedonia Family Recreation Center. Angela kindly took this opportunity to share the history of Fun Fest and what it means to the community of Macedonia.
This festival, that makes waves in Macedonia each year, goes way back. Formally known as the “Macedonia Home Days”, Fun Fest didn’t always have a solid presence. Due to economical setbacks, Fun Fest was cancelled after 2006. However, with an economical boost years after, Fun Fest resurfaced in 2014.
If you’re still skeptical, take Angela’s word for it – here is what Fun Fest is meant to do, and being present myself, its goal was effectively executed.
“The main goal of the FunFest is to provide a venue that brings the community together for something positive! Fun, laughter, smiles, dancing, socializing with your neighbors and friends…without having to leave your own community to do so…is what it’s all about.”
While “Mother Nature” as Angela put it, allowed for some Fun Fest setbacks this year – the event was still a success nonetheless. Waterdrops dry, right? And heavy winds slow down. The “FUN” still goes on at the Macedonia Fun Fest!
So, did you miss Fun Fest this year? Don’t fret. Next year, Angela and her team, hope to expand the festivities. Angela elaborated on this by stating: “We will definitely be concentrating on expanding the car show and 5k next year. We would also like to explore bringing a gambling tent back to the event. We will always be looking for new attractions or trending elements that people would enjoy.”
If you’re still not convinced – the Mexican burger and onion rings from the Swat Food Truck and Catering – will get you there in a second! NordoniaHills.News President, Julie D’Aloiso, raved about the Mexican burger, while I couldn’t get enough of the onion rings! What makes Swat different you may wonder? They STUFF their burgers! A stuffing full of fun and goodness! If I were you, I wouldn’t wait until next year to visit the Swat Food Truck – allow them to cover your catering needs! And, don’t forget to the like them on Facebook and visit their website at http://www.swatfoodtruck.net/.
To sum it all up, not only is Fun Fest FUN, it is Macedonia’s own. Angela explained to me that for years, Macedonia residents were aware of events in surrounding communities but lacking their own. Now, Fun Fest is the event of the town, distinction between them and their neighbor, and most importantly a prideful and yes, FUN event that keeps the residents coming back for more and more each year. Add the evening firework display, that stuffed burger and all of the other attractions and you have an event to bring your community together and have them coming back for more.
Be on the lookout for next year’s Fun Fest. NordoniaHills.News and the Macedonia Family Recreation Center will happily keep you in the loop! It’s never to early to mark your calendars for an event this FUN and memorable (thanks, Mother Nature).
