Fun for all: Rossford event provides quintessential summer enjoyment

With three weeks left, Rossford’s Stroll the Street event is rounding out its sixth year.

People visit the historic downtown on Tuesdays in the summer from across northwest Ohio to enjoy music, activities, and shopping.

Vendors offer everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods, while local businesses and non-profits are also set up to share information and connect with the community.

Ten food trucks, which rotate week to week, are eager to pass out sandwiches, tacos, sweets, and more for patrons to enjoy alongside live music at Edward Ford Memorial Park.

There is also a children’s area, featuring crafts, face painting, and a painted rock hunt.

“It's really for all ages,” said Beth Genson, director of the Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau, which hosts the event. “There's something there that appeals to everyone.”

She said there’s also something for everyone when it comes to the range of live music offerings — from country and classic rock to big band and polka.

The bands that will finish out the 2024 season of Stroll the Street are: Decent Folk Band on Tuesday, Athens Wheeler Band on Aug. 6, and Randy Krajewski’s Polish Band on Aug. 13.

New this year is an Eat Fresh program in partnership with Meijer. The Traveling Chef works with Turk Farms to create recipes that use seasonal produce as well as other local ingredients that may be available at the farm market. The chef passes out food samples and recipe cards each week for visitors to explore healthy eating options.

“By supporting local farmers and vendors near you, you are able to connect with the direct source of your food,” said Dave Turk, owner of the Berkey, Ohio, farm. “You will also find quality and unique items that you wouldn’t normally find in your grocery stores.”

While the Super Cruise car show has come to a close this year, organizers are already planning its return for next summer.

“It's a great opportunity for a gathering: every week to come out and see your friends, meet new people, visit with the vendors,” Genson said. “It's just a fun event.”

Stroll the Street runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, with live music beginning at 5:30 p.m. Parking is available at the IPS headquarters, 146 Dixie Hwy. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the park.