Festive farewell to summer

9/17/2004

Some say Harrison Rally Day is Perrysburg's traditional celebration to bid farewell to summer.

Others say it's in honor of America's ninth president, William Henry Harrison, who built and commanded Fort Meigs.

And Marti Zallocco, artistic director of the Perrysburg Area Arts Council, will tell you that it's Perrysburg's "biggest community festival."

The event, presented by the Arts Council and the Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled to run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow along Louisiana Avenue in downtown Perrysburg. A parade will officially kick off the day at 10 a.m. beginning at the Commodore Building, located in the 400 block of Louisiana Avenue.

"There's every facet of our community there, from little tiny children to older [residents], fine artists, ladies that make afghans in their home, and professional musicians. It's our best day of the year to celebrate our community," said Zallocco, who estimates an attendance of about 35,000.

The Arts Council will offer arts, crafts, children's activities, and music, while the Chamber presents business and community vendors and booths.

Highlights of the day include a juried art area along the 100 block of Louisiana in which 25 artists will exhibit photography, oil painting, blown glass, textiles, and watercolor paintings. The artists will compete for prize money and ribbons and offer their work for sale. In addition, about 80 nonjuried artists will have booths, mainly in the 300 block of Louisiana, she added. These artists represent traditional and nontraditional arts and crafts.

A children's art and sports activities area will be located in the grassy area next to Perry's Landing. Music will be performed on stages on East Second Street and in Hood Park, behind the Commodore Perry monument.

Harrison Rally Day runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow along Louisiana Avenue in downtown Perrysburg. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. in the 400 block of Louisiana. The event is free. Information: 419-873-2787.