Tailgate Party is Kickoff Event for New Strongsville Group

Collette Fine first told someone about her idea for a new community group, called Team Strongsville, on Aug. 1.

Thirty days later, the group is already hosting its first citywide event — a tailgate party at Strongsville High School before the Mustangs home opener Friday.

"There's been this explosion of energy in Strongsville," Fine said. "It's been incredible."

The party will run 5-6:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 in the parking lot between the high school and Catan Stadium. At least 28 vendors will be there with food — Giant Eagle, for example is bringing 500 hot dogs — and activities like cornhole, kids' games and inflatables, and it's all free.

It's open to anyone who lives or works in Strongsville.

There's only one requirement — everyone should wear green.

Fine said an 11-person group including business people, parents, students and representatives from the schools and the city, are overseeing Team Strongsville.

Its mission is to increase pride and spirit in the community. The group will file paperwork to become a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization.

It will operate as an independent group, not affiliated with the schools, city or any other agency.

Fine said the reaction she got when she started talking about forming the group was overwhelming. 

Consider that 10 days after the group launched its Facebook page, it already had 276 likes and 10,000 views.

"That tells me people want something like this in Strongsville," Fine said.

At the tailgate party, vendors will donate everything.

"Team Strongsville isn't putting out a dime or taking in a dime," Fine said.

Vendors include Giant Eagle, Chick-fil-A, Robeks, Cleats, Olympia, Catan's, Bruegger's Bagels, BW3, Dave & Busters, Swings and Things and many more.

There has been some minor controversy about the tailgate party interfering with concession stand sales during the game. The Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters operate concessions to raise money for their own group.

But Fine said the tailgate party will only be held once a year and will bring more people out to not only Friday's opener, but to later games as community spirit increases.

"I'm a mom and I love this community, and that's what it is about," she said.