McGinnis Amusements
Nothing says summer like a trip to the carnival with the sweet smells of cotton candy and caramel apples, and the hooting and hollering of children. McGinnis Amusements is a carnival business that was founded shortly after World War II and has been around for more than six decades.
McGinnis Amusements, based in Strongsville, is a family-owned company that has been serving many events year after year.
“We provide carnival equipment to events in Northeast Ohio for everything from county fairs to church picnics,” manager Nick Blois says.
McGinnis Amusements owns over 15 rides, including big rides such as the Hurricane and the Scrambler, and kid-friendly rides like the Merry-Go-Round and Ferris wheel.
Try your luck or indulge your sweet tooth at one of the food and game concession stands.
Operating April through October, McGinnis Amusements prides itself on well-maintained rides and a high commitment to safety and service.
In the past, the carnival company has provided equipment for the Lodi Grape Festival, St. Anthony of Padua in Parma and the Maple Festival.
Visit McGinnis Amusements on Facebook or at mcginnisamusements.com.
Strongsville Early Childhood PTA
If you’re a parent of young children and looking for a supportive community, look no further. The Strongsville Early Childhood PTA (SECPTA) brings together parents of children ages birth through kindergarten while promoting values such as education, wellness and fun. All families are welcome — you don’t need to be a Strongsville resident.
SECPTA members enjoy activities such as local children’s outings, play groups, educational events, theme parties, and social events for moms, dads and couples as well as national PTA membership benefits. In addition to socializing, parents are encouraged to volunteer their time and talents. They can earn “Appreciation Coupons” to use toward SECPTA events.
From September to April, general meetings are held between 7 and 9 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at the Strongsville High School Media Center.
Meeting participants can expect a speaker or other special activity and refreshments. Young children are welcome to attend with their parents.
Annual membership dues are $25 a year. The annual New Member Social will take place at J Bella Italian Restaurant (12201 Pearl Road) on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Visit secpta.org or contact [email protected] for more information.
The Mill Stream & Chalet Toboggan Chutes
When the weather gets cold, take the family to The Mill Stream & Chalet Toboggan Chutes. The Chalet offers two ice-covered chutes with an initial
70-foot drop that allows riders to reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
Riders, four to a toboggan, climb 100 steps to the loading area as their toboggan is taken up an automated lift. After your ride, warm up at the indoor or outdoor fireplaces and re-energize at the snack bar.
Riders must be 42 inches tall. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by a parent.
The Toboggan Chutes open the day after Thanksgiving and remain open through mid-March. Unlimited daily rides are $8 for adults and $6 for children under 12, or one-time tickets can be purchased for $3. The Chalet also offers season passes and group rates for groups of 20 or more.
Tobogganing hours are Fridays, 6-10:30 p.m., Saturdays, noon-10:30 p.m., and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Thursdays are at 6-10:30 p.m. in January and February only. While snow isn’t required, the Toboggan Chutes are open weather permitting.
For more information or seasonal updates call 440-573-9990 or visit clevelandmetroparks.com.
Strongsville Community Youth Theatre
Honk if you love kids. That’s what Strongsville Community Youth Theatre did when it presented “Honk,” an all-youth production.
Formed in 2008, the theatre is the youth- and young-adult-oriented arm of Strongsville Community Theatre.
It provides kids with the opportunity to act in productions with their peers as well as perform alongside adults in shows such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The theatre also stages family fare, including “A Year with Frog and Toad.”
Beyond its main stage, the Strongsville Community Youth Theatre also sponsors a summer theatre camp. The intensive three-week camp trains kids in theatrical skills of all types. Youth will go through instruction to improve their acting, singing, dancing and technical theatre skills. At the end of the summer camp, all of their hard work pays off in a complete performance of a full-length production, open to family, friends and the public.
“Our vision is simple — to showcase and promote local talent in diverse seasons of high-quality entertainment, ” says Elaine Gritti, Strongsville Community Youth Theatre director and Strongsville Community Theatre board member.
Call 440-954-4634 or visit strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com or [email protected].