MIDWAY MAGIC … The Midway was bustling with locals as they lined up to see what vendors had to offer.
CHILDREN’S HIGHLIGHT … Huge bounce-y houses gave kids the chance to play!
(PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
HOMETOWN HONORS … The Ohio Magazine Representative awarded Bryan, Ohio, as Top 5 Best Hometown of the Year, accepted by Mayor Carrie Schlade.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The City of Bryan was bustling with cheerful crowds and patriotic spirit on Saturday as residents flocked to Recreation Park for the annual “Day in the Park” festivities.
The event captured the essence of summer and community pride with a full lineup of family-friendly attractions and entertainment.
Throughout the day, children laughed and played in an inflatable wonderland, with five colorful bounce houses – one of which was a water slide!
For just $12, kids received wristbands granting them unlimited access to the inflatables, making it a budget-friendly highlight for families. Face painting, yard games, glow bracelets, chalk wars, and children’s book giveaways added to the excitement.
Festival-goers strolled through the bustling midway, where vendors served up classic fair favorites like loaded fries, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and cotton candy.
Artisan booths displayed handcrafted goods, while the American Amateur Radio Station drew curious onlookers interested in the science and skill of communication.
One of the day’s biggest attractions was the free evening concert by the Sharpe Family Singers, a high-energy group whose performance was made possible by sponsorship from Spangler Candy Company. Their uplifting harmonies set the stage for the night’s grand finale.
A surprise representative from Ohio’s Magazine made a visit, announcing Bryan’s continued run as “Ohio’s Best Hometown.”
Originally awarded in 2024, Bryan will make another appearance in the award-winning magazine in the July and August editions. Mayor Carrie Schlade, who accepted the award, had kind words to share with the crowd.
“Congratulations, Bryan, Ohio! We have been so fortunate to be picked as this year’s top five Best Hometown, Ohio. The city operates with a lot of great employees. All of our industries, our small businesses, and our community, we are all in lockstep with each other.”
As the sun started to set, families spread out blankets and lawn chairs near the Fountain City Amphitheater in anticipation.
At 10:00 p.m., the sky lit up with a dazzling fireworks show that brought the community together in awe and celebration, closing out the “Day in the Park” with a bang!
The event, organized in part by the Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce and supported by numerous local sponsors, once again proved to be a cherished summer tradition, welcoming visitors of all ages to enjoy simple pleasures, small-town charm, and big memories.