Summer Fun in Rocky River: Check Out These Cant-Miss Events

This summer, Rocky River’s parks and streets will come alive with events offering fun for everyone. Dubbed “Summer of Fun,” the city’s goal is to spread the events throughout the summer to make sure everyone has a chance to partake in the excitement, says Bob Holub, Rocky River’s director of recreation.

Here’s a look at some upcoming events. For the full Summer of Fun schedule, visit rrcity.com/special-events.

Health and Fitness Day

As part of the National Recreation and Park Association, the Rocky River Recreation Department hosts a Health and Fitness Day at Linden Park, with an inflatable bounce house, three-point basketball shootout, a bike parade and more. “Kids participate with a police officer,” Holub says of the bike parade. “An officer rides them around the park and goes through setup of a bike and safety precautions.” Last year, Meijer sponsored the event, donating eight bikes and more than 40 helmets. This year’s event is scheduled for June 10.

Summer Concert Series

Scheduled throughout the summer, enjoy live music at locations around the city, such as the picturesque Rocky River Park right on the lake. The city strives to include bands from varying genres so there’s something for everyone. The popular Pie in the Park concert returns this year on June 25 at 7 p.m., featuring Beatles tribute band Revolution Pie. “The mayor’s office is always able to secure a donation of 70 or so pies that we have sliced and city council and the mayor’s office serve at the Pie in the Park event,” Holub says.

Memory Lane Antique Car Show

Scheduled for July 9, this event draws upwards of 100 cars to City Hall campus. Vehicles must be at least 25 years old to be registered, and trophies and door prizes are awarded in the afternoon. There’s no entrance fee, and food and beverages are available on site.

Taste of River

Taste of River returns to Linda Street on June 17 from 4 to 9 p.m. This Rocky River Chamber of Commerce event highlights the city’s many culinary delights, with more than 20 local food vendors participating — and some new surprises in store this year. “Last year was the first year we took the event outdoors, and we were overwhelmed by the response of the community,” says Angela Barth, Chamber executive director. “We’re so excited to bring it back — and bring it back in a bigger way.” 

A new sweet spot dedicated to delicious desserts is new for 2023, as is a pet area sponsored by State Farm Insurance Agent Robbie Anderson, with support from Paws & Effect Pet Grooming. “The event is not possible without the support of our sponsors, including Gold Sponsors Earnest Machine Products and Cox Business,” Barth adds.

Live bands will entertain attendees all day, and there will be plenty to keep the kids busy, too, including a magician, balloon artists and face painters. 

Barth describes Taste of River as a “choose your own adventure” event. Admission is free, and food and beverages are pay-as-you-go. Parking is available at Rocky River Middle School, with shuttles provided by The Welsh Home.

The event will take place rain or shine, with tents available in the case of inclement weather. “Last year we lucked out with the most perfect weather, so we hope to have that again this year,” Barth says. 

Meet Two Taste of River vendors and get the scoop on some of their signature dishes:

John Owen (Market, Rocky River Wine Bar and Tommy’s Place)

Participating in Taste of River is a no-brainer for John Owen, owner of  three restaurants in Rocky River —  Market, Rocky River Wine Bar and Tommy’s Place. “It’s good for the community to see what we have restaurant-wise for the whole city of Rocky River,” Owen says. “I also think it’s good for us to support the local Chamber, so it’s a win-win for everybody involved.”

Here’s a look at some signature dishes from Owen’s restaurants:

Market

The 48-hour braised chicken wings are a fan favorite, with your choice of sauces and rubs, including Nashville Hot, Salt & Vinegar and Cajun, to name a few. “Everyone says we have some of the best wings
in town,” Owen says.

Rocky River Wine Bar

The 8-ounce certified angus beef burger reigns supreme here, topped with mouth-watering blistered tomatoes, aged Gruyere Swiss, crispy onion shallots and horseradish aioli on a brioche bun. “It’s a very unique burger,” says Owen.

Tommy’s place

Locals flock to Tommy’s Place for its cocktails and friendly neighborhood vibe, but Owen says Tommy’s is also known for its always-satisfying bar food such as juicy burgers and flavorful French fries. 

Jim Griffiths (Bearden’s)

Jim Griffiths, in real estate and health care by trade, jokes that he was reluctant about buying Bearden’s when the storied Rocky River establishment went up for sale in 2011, but his daughter insisted he do everything possible to keep the restaurant alive. “We’ve been doing it now for over 10 years, and we’re proud that we’re part of the community,” Griffiths says, adding that the restaurant, known for its steakburgers, has been a Rocky River staple for more than seven decades. When he purchased Bearden’s, he also inherited the recipes from three generations of the Orange Family, who had run the business since the 1940s.

Griffiths is excited to participate in Taste of River again in 2023. “We want to be part of Rocky River and the celebration of restaurants and the Taste of River because we have a role to play in the nostalgia that we bring to the table,” he says. He adds that he is a former resident and current land owner in Rocky River, so he wants to be part of preserving and strengthening the city going forward.

Three tips for a delicious, juicy burger:

1. Use fresh beef. “If people freeze their hamburgers, they’re not going to get the quality that you do when you have a fresh burger,” Griffiths says.

2. Consider the protein-to-fat ratio. “A lot of people think that having a 90%/10% or even higher ratio is a good balance between protein and fat, but it doesn’t lend itself very much to flavor,” he says. “The fat content and the mixture between the meat and the fat is very important.”

3. Use the proper heat. An overcooked burger will be too dry, but you do want to make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees F.