Sprenger Health Care hosted its first-ever Summer Street Fair on Aug. 10 at the Town Center Community Campus, 500 Community Drive in Avon Lake, for community guests to enjoy an afternoon of activities.
The event, held in the facility's parking lot, featured food, live entertainment, games and a visit to Wild Hooves Traveling Petting Zoo, according to Emily Dvorak, director of admissions and marketing.
As well as the petting zoo, guests had fun jumping in the bounce houses, playing in the dunk tank and choosing their favourite shaved ice flavours from the Kona Ice Truck.
Tables were set up and staff were serving food to the guests.
Summer Street Fair guests had the chance to create their own shave ice at the Kona Ice Truck. (Larissa Berriswill – The Morning Journal)
“We love doing things for the community, and this is just another way we show our appreciation and gratitude to the community, staff, residents and their families,” Dvorak said. “This is an opportunity for the community to come and have a good time, meet members of our team and see our beautiful campus.”
The fairgrounds, which hosted a “pack the bus” fundraiser encouraging event-goers to bring school supplies as donations, were nearly full an hour before the start of the Summer Street Fair, Dvorak said.
“We think this is really important to our community,” said Erin Jones, a nurse and assistant director of nursing.
“It's a large campus here, so we want to reach out to the community and be able to support them.”
Jones said the Summer Street Fair is a free event for the public, but is also open to residents, staff and their families as a way to show appreciation and give back.
As well as showing gratitude, Dvorak said the event is also important for socialisation for residents, especially those who don't get out much.
“It feels really good. I feel like I'm making a difference,” she said.
“It's important that they get involved.”
Wild Hooves Traveling Petting Zoo made an appearance at the Sprenger Healthcare Summer Street Fair in Avon Lake. (Larissa Belliswill – The Morning Journal)
Besides providing activities and food, Dvorak said the main purpose of the street fair is to show gratitude, bring both residents and staff together and bring the community together.
The impact of the inclement weather this week has highlighted the importance of unity and the purpose of the event.
“There's a lot the community can do for us in terms of volunteering for our residents,” Jones said.
“So we want to do something for them too.”
