Money to fight heroin addiction raised at Western Lake County Kids Fair in Eastlake

A new event was held April 29 that entertained families with children of all ages while raising money for a good cause.

The Western Lake County Kids Fair at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake included a karate demonstration, children’s gymnastics show and a youth sewing demonstration — with a chance to make your own doll.

There was also a magician, balloon artist and bounce house.

In addition, there was a Nintendo Switch “Just Dance” competition for kids (first prize was a Switch console donated by Eastlake Walmart), a children’s costume contest and ice cream eating contests by age groups with Game Stop gift cards as prizes.

Proceeds from a Chinese auction will be donated to the Lake County Hope Over Heroin organization.

“The epidemic is really hitting us,” said Willowick resident Bill Gillen, whose wife, Donna, helped start the group’s Lake County chapter. “It’s been a blessing that these people would do this for us.”

The finale of the free event was an ice cream contest between Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley, Willowick Mayor Rich Regovich and two dogs.

Regovich came in last behind the canines and third-place Morley, but considered the Kids Fair a win for the area nonetheless.

“It’s good we can do these events,” he said. “It was a great turnout — especially on the first nice day we’ve had in a while, plus the Cavs and Indians were playing.”

Morley added, “Rich and I are always good sports with each other. Our cities work together on a lot of things.”

Parents were encouraged during the event to sign their children up for summer activities such as day and overnight camps, vacation bible schools, educational programs and sporting activities.

Eastlake Councilman Michael Zuren estimated that more than 400 people attended the Kids Fair.

“We had a better than expected turnout,” said Zuren. “There are so many smiling and happy faces here today. It’s a really nice event for the community to show that western Lake County is truly a wonderful place to live.”

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