Strongsville Homecoming 2013 is Off to a Great Start

Very warm weather didn't keep the crowds away from the annual Spirit of Strongsville Homecoming Parade Wednesday evening.

The parade kicked off the four-day event, which runs through Saturday on the City Commons.

Homecoming is presented by the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce. Parking and entertainment are free. All-day ride tickets are $17; individual ride tickets are also available. 

Kids' Day on Saturday includes a balloon artist and magician, as well as other entertainment geared toward younger visitors. 

Homecoming also features "Northeast Ohio's Largest 50/50 Raffle." Winner will be announced July 20 and need not be present.

Chamber trustee Dave Gusman said the jackpot in the raffle promises to be the highest ever. Tickets will be sold throughout the festival.

Here's the schedule:

Thursday,  July 18

3 p.m. - Rides, games, food open
5 p.m. - Entertainment by Strongsville Elementary Summer Band
6 p.m. - Entertainment by Studio 82 Dance Team
7 p.m. - Entertainment by The Avenue 

Fri., July 19 

3 p.m. - Rides, games, food open 
5 p.m. - Entertainment by Yumi-Daiko Japanese Drum Group
6 p.m. - Entertainment by Dance Excel
7 p.m. - Entertainment by Shout

Sat., July 20 

7:30 a.m. - Cleveland Clinic Race registration 
9 a.m. - 5K Race, 1 Mile Walk Begin
Noon - Kids Day - rides, games, food ppen
Noon - Entertainment by  School of Rock
1 p.m. - Entertainment by International Karate
2 p.m. - Entertainment by Strongsville Dance Company
3 p.m. - Entertainment by The Magic of Rick Smith Jr.
4 p.m. - Entertainment by Royalton Music
5 p.m. - Entertainment by Dance Dimensions
6 p.m. - Entertainment by World Champion Taekwondo
7 p.m. - Entertainment by The Caliber Band