BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
UNION TOWNSHIP -- Heather Smiddy plans to have several watermelons and wet towels handy this weekend when Union Township holds its annual FunFest celebration Saturday at McGinnis Park.
From noon until the last ooh and aah is uttered following the 9:30 p.m. Rozzi firework show, West Chester residents will celebrate the end of summer in this southeastern Butler County community. "This celebration is for the community to get together to have a fun day," said Chris Tarmey, festival chairwoman. "We'll have several food booths, raffles, prizes and games."
Kyle Hesselbrock, a 2-year-old boy with the rare genetic disorder Tay-Sachs disease, will lead an 11 a.m. parade that begins at Keehner Park and ends at McGinnis to kick off festivities.
Three one-mile walks to raise funds for research for the disease, which destroys the nervous system, are set for 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
New is the watermelon-eating contest set for 4:15 p.m. Participants will be divided into two age groups, 12 and younger and 13 or older, said Ms. Smiddy, who is heading the event.
"We'll have prizes in each group for the most watermelon eaten and for the most seeds remaining," Ms. Smiddy said.
In addition to more than 50 food, game and business booths, entertainment will be provided by the Lakota Tomahawk cheerleaders, clowns doing magic, a stilt walker and church groups. Radio station WGGR will be there for most of the afternoon. There also will be live bands. Registration for the classic-car show, featuring roadsters from the 1950s through 1970s, will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trophies for the top 20 will be presented at 4 p.m.
The Union Township canine unit will be there and there will be art activities, dance and tumbling demonstrations sponsored by the Union-Liberty Arts Council.
The Cincinnati Zoo will bring animals to the celebration between 3-4 p.m.
