It is time to Rock the Docks again in Springfield and Lakemore. The village and township have once again combined their efforts to host this very unique event which begins on July 10 and runs through July 12. Last year’s event drew over 50,000 rockin’ people from many communities and a variety of states.
“We are excited to have this event back,” said Lakemore Mayor Mike Kolomichuk. “Our communities have great pride and we are taking advantage of our resources, using both sides of Springfield Lake to hold the event. Even in bad economic times a lot of the local merchants have stepped up to help,” he said.
The event is full of family fun and there is something for everyone. Do you like the high powered, fast paced, hydroplaning boats racing around the lake? There will be plenty of that as racers come from across the United Stated and Canada to test their skills on the waters of Springfield Lake. (Best viewed from the south side of the lake in Lakemore).
Maybe that is not your pace in life so why not kick back and cruise over to the Springfield side of the lake and take a leisurely stroll at the “car cruise in” and listen to the oldies music, who doesn’t like the oldies?
The Rock the Docks 2009 festival is put on by the Springfield Lakemore Festival Committee (SLFC). The committee was formed in 2003 with the Community Days event which rapidly grew into “Rock the Docks.” The festival is being recognized as the best of its kind through the dedication of the members of SLFC.
“What other communities would share in doing something like this? It just shows that we are two communities woven together,” said Lakemore Council President, Rick Justice. He added that it takes a lot of trust and a lot of deep ties to each other to pull this off. “We do it because we feel that we are one community. We have a spirit of togetherness.”
This year there will be amusement rides, games, a variety of music, a tug of war between local high school football teams, craft vendors and much more. There is one more very important thing, food. There are vendors on both the north and south shores of the lake for just about anything that would make your mouth water…mmm french fries. Forget the diets and come hungry anytime of the day there will be plenty of choices. There will BBQ ribs and chicken and don’t forget the turkey legs. Sausage sandwiches, steak sandwiches, hot dogs, corn dogs, milk shakes, ice cream and fruit smoothies. Funnel cakes, kettle corn and banana splits and much more.
“When many communities have had to cancel their festivals, fireworks or events because of the economy, we have been fortunate to go on with Rock the Docks. That is possible due to a few reasons but mostly because of our great volunteers,” said Springfield Trustee, Vince Mealy. “Our call for volunteer help at the festival produced more than 20 people who were not involved last year and want to help this year,” stated Trustee, Dean Young. “The final meeting for volunteers will be Wednesday, July 8 at 6 p.m. at the Community Center/Senior Center. We welcome all who want to help,” Young stated.
The event begins at 3 p.m. on July 10. Saturday opening ceremonies of the boat races commence at 10 a.m. Every evening after the boat races have been completed there will be pontoon rides across the lake from shore to shore. One of the biggest events is the Saturday night fireworks over the lake that begins at 9:45 p.m.
“Saturday night fireworks will be spectacular and the weekend free boat rides offering all the opportunity to visit the performances on both sides of the lake will be something to remember,” said Event Consultant for the township, Yvette Davidson.
“The development of this activity allows the surrounding areas to enjoy and see what we have to offer not only for this festival but year round. We hope all of our residents will spend time at the events and what more could you want? It is close to home and free,” she said.
All events are free to the public. Parking will be available at the Tri-County Plaza and Gala Commons and busses will run to both sides of the lake and all of the events.
“Rock the Docks 2009 will be a celebration of the great strides Springfield and Lakemore have made working together to make this a better community,” Young stated.
For more information visit www.rockthedocks.net or call the Rock the Docks hotline, 330-794-1739.
