With its historic downtown and picturesque park — complete with a gazebo — the City of Painesville has a small-town feel with a young and growing population. In line with its young residents, the city will kick off the summer with a new event, “Party on Main,” on Friday, May 19, from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring the band Disco Inferno.
“The City of Painesville is one of the largest growing small downtowns from Chicago to Buffalo, and, with a young population (average age of 31), we are excited to redefine our community through events like ‘Party on Main’ and the new retail stores in our downtown that are bringing new life and excitement [to] our community,” says Cathy Bieterman, economic development director.
The event is part of a series of free summer happenings the city offers for Painesville residents. Organizers hope the events will help brand the city as a destination for new visitors throughout Lake County and into Cleveland.
The city will close off Main Street and have dancing in the streets with tables and wandering entertainment by Dr. URawesome. Five top food trucks — Slyman’s, Corbo’s, Barrio, Betty’s Bomb Ass Burgers and Jackpot Chicken — will be serving food, along with a beer tent with cold refreshments.
The City of Painesville is one of 23 municipalities in Lake County, about 30 miles east of Cleveland and about two-and-a-half miles south of Lake Erie. It is the fourth-largest municipality in Lake County — behind Mentor, Willoughby and Eastlake — and is the seat of Lake County government. Situated on the Grand River, it has a small-town feel, with old-fashioned bakeries, quaint shops, antiques and restaurants.
Another popular summer event in Painesville is the farmers market, offered on Thursdays, May through October, from noon to 4 p.m.
Food trucks are always on hand, as well as lots of fresh, local produce.
“Farmers right here in Lake County pick the fruits and vegetables in the morning and are here selling it by noon,” says Barb Monacelli, economic development event coordinator.
Other summer highlights include summer Gazebo Concerts, Party in the Park, Art in the Park, wine tastings and the Taste of Painesville on Sept. 7.
Painesville also is home to many major corporate employers. Avery Dennison, Cintas Corp. and Mar-Bal Inc., which makes components for Vitamix, are just a few.
“We are thrilled to have them here, and we work hand-in-hand with them,” says Monacelli.
