Rittman celebrates 42nd annual Sleepwalker Festival
The city of Rittman was anything but sleepy during last weekend’s 42nd annual Sleepwalker Festival, July 28-30. “I’m thankful for the good weather and a great turnout,” said Rittman Mayor Bill Robertson. “A tremendous amount of planning goes into this event, and it’s so nice to see people out enjoying it. It really showcases Rittman.”
The celebration originated as an apple festival and later became an evening sales event where customers and downtown merchants alike dressed in their pajamas—hence the name Sleepwalker, Robertson said. Today, there are no pajamas involved, but the name has stuck.
This year’s festival kicked off Thursday evening with a parade and the introduction of Rittman’s Lil’ Miss and Mister, Gabriella Swartz and Andrew Fitzgerald. Ten local World War II veterans were honored in the parade, and a special ceremony was held afterward for WWII veteran John Grieves, who died in 1950. Dale and Delores Rohrer were also honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Friday evening, Premier GMC sponsored its 20th annual car show, with more than 50 classic cars on display. “We get a lot of the same people coming back every year,” said organizer Vito Semprini. Taking home best in show was Dan Marcum with his 1934 Ford. Other award winners included Richard Lindsey (1947 Chevy), Leonard and Joanne Carpenter (1957 Chevy BelAir Convertible), Mark Milici (1969 Camaro Z28), Denver Short (1971 Chevy Chevelle), Mike O’Connor (1987 Buick Grand National), R.J. Stallard (1953 Ford F-100), Danny Bell (1980 Puch De Lux Moped) and Mel Hodges (1959 Metropolitan Coupe).
Meanwhile, at the other end of Main Street, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic held their annual pet parade. Small, medium and large dogs made their rounds in front of the judges, with ribbons awarded to the top three competitors in each size class.
Other Friday evening events included a Lions Club chicken barbecue and Bingo games sponsored by the Rittman Fire Department Auxiliary. The main attraction, however, was the “Rittman’s Got Talent” talent show in the main tent. Crowd members were selected at random to participate in Minute to Win It challenges between each musical performance. Mayor Robertson served as emcee for the show, which was sponsored by Heritage Telephone Company.
One of the youngest contestants was Justine Burss, 8, who performed a dance routine to Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never.” Though it was her first competition, Burss made it through to the final round. “I like to dance,” she said. “It was fun but I was also kind of nervous.”
Seven finalists returned for Saturday evening’s competition. Taking home the $250 prize were “Jeff & John.” Runners-up Jasmine Ridler and Keith Bachman won $50 each.
Saturday evening’s entertainment concluded with a concert by The Wood Brothers--Live From Dollywood.
Throughout the weekend, various inflatables and a gaming trailer entertained the young and young at heart. Madison Smith, 11, tried out the bungee run. “It’s fun,” she said. “Your best bet is to sprint and see how far you get. I’ve never gotten to the end yet though.”
Concession stands lined the street, offering everything from airbrush tattoos to funnel cakes to balloon animals. Local churches and other organizations set up booths as well. Members of First Baptist Church handed out free freezer pops. Church member John Chuhi said the church opened its doors for Sunday services in March. “We’re trying to get the word out and let people know we’re up and running,” he said.
The concessions were a highlight for 10-year-old Christian Schendel. “This year I got a bomb bag and I’m going to get Silly String,” he said. Schendel hoped to come back the following night as well. “I love it,” he said. “It gets funner every year!”
The celebration originated as an apple festival and later became an evening sales event where customers and downtown merchants alike dressed in their pajamas—hence the name Sleepwalker, Robertson said. Today, there are no pajamas involved, but the name has stuck.
This year’s festival kicked off Thursday evening with a parade and the introduction of Rittman’s Lil’ Miss and Mister, Gabriella Swartz and Andrew Fitzgerald. Ten local World War II veterans were honored in the parade, and a special ceremony was held afterward for WWII veteran John Grieves, who died in 1950. Dale and Delores Rohrer were also honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Friday evening, Premier GMC sponsored its 20th annual car show, with more than 50 classic cars on display. “We get a lot of the same people coming back every year,” said organizer Vito Semprini. Taking home best in show was Dan Marcum with his 1934 Ford. Other award winners included Richard Lindsey (1947 Chevy), Leonard and Joanne Carpenter (1957 Chevy BelAir Convertible), Mark Milici (1969 Camaro Z28), Denver Short (1971 Chevy Chevelle), Mike O’Connor (1987 Buick Grand National), R.J. Stallard (1953 Ford F-100), Danny Bell (1980 Puch De Lux Moped) and Mel Hodges (1959 Metropolitan Coupe).
Meanwhile, at the other end of Main Street, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic held their annual pet parade. Small, medium and large dogs made their rounds in front of the judges, with ribbons awarded to the top three competitors in each size class.
Other Friday evening events included a Lions Club chicken barbecue and Bingo games sponsored by the Rittman Fire Department Auxiliary. The main attraction, however, was the “Rittman’s Got Talent” talent show in the main tent. Crowd members were selected at random to participate in Minute to Win It challenges between each musical performance. Mayor Robertson served as emcee for the show, which was sponsored by Heritage Telephone Company.
One of the youngest contestants was Justine Burss, 8, who performed a dance routine to Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never.” Though it was her first competition, Burss made it through to the final round. “I like to dance,” she said. “It was fun but I was also kind of nervous.”
Seven finalists returned for Saturday evening’s competition. Taking home the $250 prize were “Jeff & John.” Runners-up Jasmine Ridler and Keith Bachman won $50 each.
Saturday evening’s entertainment concluded with a concert by The Wood Brothers--Live From Dollywood.
Throughout the weekend, various inflatables and a gaming trailer entertained the young and young at heart. Madison Smith, 11, tried out the bungee run. “It’s fun,” she said. “Your best bet is to sprint and see how far you get. I’ve never gotten to the end yet though.”
Concession stands lined the street, offering everything from airbrush tattoos to funnel cakes to balloon animals. Local churches and other organizations set up booths as well. Members of First Baptist Church handed out free freezer pops. Church member John Chuhi said the church opened its doors for Sunday services in March. “We’re trying to get the word out and let people know we’re up and running,” he said.
The concessions were a highlight for 10-year-old Christian Schendel. “This year I got a bomb bag and I’m going to get Silly String,” he said. Schendel hoped to come back the following night as well. “I love it,” he said. “It gets funner every year!”
Published: August 3, 2011
