August 18, 2018: Everyday Heroes

Click here to view the printable 2-page event brochure.

“Everyday Heroes” are the best type of heroes! They’re the people we live next door to, the people beside us at the checkout line, the people we pass by as we talk our evening walks. We may not recognize what they do without their uniforms on, or outside of their particular setting, but they’re the same people we rely on to be there when we’re in need! They’re the nurses we rely on being there when our children become ill at school or when our aged family members are in a nursing home, caregivers at home, parents and grandparents raising children, the staff we rely on to take care of us in Dr’s offices and the hospital, the EMT’s we call on when we’re in an emergency, the teachers we rely on to educate our children, the soldiers who dedicate their lives to protecting ours, and the right to enjoy our lifestyle of freedom in the USA, the people who make sure our water is running, our heat is on, our streets are cleared, the ministers who are there to celebrate with us and to mourn with us, and those who inspire us. This is just the beginning of all the heroes in our lives, that are on the job everyday making sure we are all taken care of in our times of need. When called upon, they stand ready to give their service to us. To make our lives safer, healthier, and better. So when you see any of these everyday heroes – don’t forget to say “Thank You”! “Thank You for your service, your time, your caring, your expertise, and your willingness to share it with the rest of us. We simply couldn’t do it without you, our heroes!

Calling all kids:  Visit our new, expanded Children’s Fun Zone sponsored by The Cafaro Foundation and Eastwood Mall Complex!

Have we got some fun planned for you! The Children’s Fun Zone will be presented by the “Cafaro Foundation” and the “Eastwood Mall Complex” this year – Special Thanks to them for providing the entertainment for our younger guests! Remember that we moved the children’s area this year – look for the Fun Zone on West State Street, right past North Water Avenue, near Reyers Shoe Store. You’ll easily spot it by the bouncy house that will be waiting for you! In addition to the bouncy house, there will be plenty of activities, including making bird feeders from ice cream cones, crafts, bubbles, games, music and more! You’ll make hero masks and super hero stickers, there’s vegetable car races, Kinetic sand and the Sharon Robotics Team will be onsite to demonstrate what they’re doing with the robots they built! These students are from the immediate area and happy to show you what the world of Robotics can open up to all of us! Sharon Regional Medical Center will be at the Children’s Area too, to teach us safety, and first aid tips – we all need to know that and what a great way to learn it, when it’s just for us kids! They want us to be safe and know what to do in emergencies – Thank You Sharon Regional! The Children’s Fun Zone will be open from 3pm – 8pm. Bring your family and we’ll see you there!

Magic on the River

Keep an eye on the river for musical performances. The river festivities will begin at dusk with a Native American Blessing of the river by Leon Briggs. Leon Sam Briggs, is an enrolled Tonawanda Seneca whose native name is H oya’degay hus, “he helps always” hawk clan. In 2004, he was ordained as a spiritual leader of the American Metis Aboriginal Association.  He works in traditional Arts of beading, quill and leather work. He speaks on his traditional teachings in herbology, (focused native uses of plants), and works as a cultural consulting. He has made annual trips to Little Eagle, South Dakota to meet with the community and government leaders as a cultural lea son, participate in events and ceremonies, such as Peace Place powwow to support local efforts to start building the Little Eagle Community Center. He has participated as guest speaker on Native American culture, storyteller, environmental impact on indigenous plants at various events including Native American Awareness Week at the University of Dayton, and Sunwatch Village, since 2007.

Making Relations another gathering of communities for the exchange of cultures (Little Eagle and Eagle Butte, South Dakota, since 2009) and Native Peoples Celebrate the Peacemakers, University of Dayton. He is a consultant/ speaker with the Red Bird Center whose mission is to support the Healing and Unity of Native Families in Ohio. The Center specializes in assisting families in recovery from trauma and loss. Leon is a presenter at the Red Bird Center’s Annual Native Unity Gathering which focuses on the “Indigenous Healing Model” that restores the spirit and brings unity and connection within Native Communities. The Red Bird Center has been in operation since 1997 and is a Native non-profit organization.

Keep an eye on the river for fire performers who will perform several times throughout the evening. Watch for them on a boat and on the bridge abutment. They will captivate our guests with explosive and dramatic performances. They will leave you talking for years to come and a memory you will never forget.

Musical entertainment will be featured on the boats throughout the evening.

Stay Awhile!

Did you know that we have a whole evening of entertainment planned for you? Once the lighting ceremony occurs, there is plenty of entertainment to follow! You’ll be able to see an aerialist perform on beautiful silks against the evening sky and a world-renowned fire twirler amaze his viewers from many spots on the river.  Diana, the aerialist is visiting us from Las Vegas while Spogga, the famous fire twirler is visiting us from New Orleans. In addition to their performances, there are several live performances beginning at 9 pm, from the boats,  right on the river. There are 4 soloists performing at different times, and a jazz saxophone player that will leave you wanting more! Between their performances the audience will be treated to music hand chosen just for the evening, while they enjoy the other sights from the river – the burning braziers, the kayakers and surprises included!   So please, find a comfortable spot and spend the evening with us!  There’s something planned for you to enjoy up until 11:00 pm – so, what’s the rush? Stay With Us Awhile!

A Foodie you say?

Have we got the goodies for you! Make sure you visit the food court at WaterFire this Saturday.  You’ll be sure you’re in the right direction as you pick up the aromas of ribs on the bbq, or is that lamb from the gyros we smell?  There will surely be a sweet smell of cinnamon rolls and funnel cake.  You can cool off with a milkshake!  So much savory, so much sweet – you can’t go wrong with a visit to the food court.  Dozens of vendors are setting up just to take care of you so don’t miss out on stopping by!  While you’re there – check out the specialty items at the Chocolate Gyro trailer!  Just a few of the delicious food options: pulled pork, mac & cheese, fried catfish dinners, burgers, hot sausage, meatball sandwiches, homemade cavaitelli, and new to this event “Wok on the Wild Side”. See, there’s really something there for everyone!  Have lunch, supper, a snack or pick up a treat for the way home at the WaterFire food court!

Our Artisan Marketplace is a Showcase of Creative Talent!

WaterFire prides itself on striving to bring professional vendors and high-quality works of art to our marketplace. Our talented artisans are natural creatives who make amazing handmade fine art. Whether its a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, pottery, woodworking, glass or fiber art, painting, photography, or mixed media piece – we have it all, in all price ranges – we know you will find the perfect item while walking the streets of beautiful downtown Sharon during WaterFire.

This Saturday you’ll find more than fifty artisan tents full of beautiful and unique items. Talk to the artists to learn more about their processes, watch their live demonstrations and support our artists by selecting a handmade original piece to add to your home or give as a gift.

Look for Alfred and Sara Huntley of Huntley Handcrafted Jewelry and their handmade sterling and fine silver pieces. They use traditional silversmith techniques including forging, fret sawing, soldering, bezel work, gem setting, cloisonne enamel and chainmail.

And while shopping and walking through the market look for the hand-carved, shaved and assembled wood flowers and arrangements by Robert Rannard of Rannard Woodsmiths.

Want to sell your handmade art items at our Sept. event? Apply via the Zapp App. Contact Jenn at jenncrisan@gmail.com or artistinfo@waterfiresharonpa.org with any feedback or questions. We are looking forward to a great selling season in the artisan marketplace!

Booth Size: 10′ x 10′
Booth Fee = $60

Apply today for our next event!

Sharon Historical Society

Make sure you join the Sharon Historical Society and the Sharon Beautification Commission for August 18^th’s Historical Walking Tour!  This month’s tour will focus on the West side of Downtown, covering the areas of North and South Main Street, North Irvine Avenue and the Ellsworth Street area.  There are stories of places and people from the area that you won’t want to miss.  The area’s churches, school, businesses dating back to the late 1800’s, train stations, bridges and notable residential homes will also be highlighted during the tour.  Join historians John Zavinski and Brian Kepple, who will lead the 1 ½ hour tours. They’ll meet you at the large mural on the side of Reyer’s Shoe Store, at 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.  There are some uneven surfaces and an inclined walking area on this tour so dress in anticipation of those things – wear shoes that you’ll feel sturdy in. Each participate will receive a collectible 30+ page tour booklet featuring many old and rare pictures, as well as interesting information.  Your guides will meet you at the mural!  

Henry Ekker Autograph Collection

Enjoy sports? Admire athletes and their accomplishments? Then you won’t want to miss this one of a kind collection. Inside the Community Library of the Shenango Valley during WaterFire, you’ll find a large, autographed, and unique sports memorabilia collection on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge to visit this collection that you’ll find on the library’s first floor. Also, located at the Community Library is The Literary Garden.  Members of Random Acts of Artists (RAA) installed this garden to help bring awareness to the importance of literature and the arts in our community.  Each of the over 40 posts are painted to represent a book or piece of literature theme of the artist’s choice.  Be sure to visit this inspirational garden.

Tag Up!

Take selfies and be sure to check in on social media while you enjoy your day and evening at WaterFire Sharon. A check-in on social helps our downtown merchants with visibility and draws more attention to their key presence in the growing vibrancy along the river! Share what you see and enjoy your day in beautiful downtown Sharon. Use our hashtags when you share your fun photos and selfies on social! Hashtag so we can see all the memories you make at ! And we might collect a few of our favorites to share on our social profiles!

Art Hotspots Downtown!

As you stroll through downtown Sharon this 2018 WaterFire Sharon season, be sure to look for the many art spaces that are growing along the river! Here are some art points of interest to seek out. 

The vibrant mural on the Community Action building, was the first large scale mural work in Sharon by Leslie Michaels and friends. There is also a fun Sharon, Pa. mural near the Laskey’s building on N. Water Ave, facing State Street. And of course, admire beautiful downtown Sharon’s newest large scale art addition to downtown Sharon! Located W. State St. Reyer’s building- Mural by Joel Bergner, students from HOPE C.A.T and local artists contributors.

Look to the corner of S. Water Ave & State St.- “It’s a Wonderful World” Sculpture art of trumpet player- George Junior Republic and Sharon HS students.

The “Can Opener,” or “Angel” the oldest sculpture art installation in Sharon at S. Water Ave & Connelly Blvd. It is made on Cor-ten Steel that when it rusts forms a protective coating. Same steel that was used on the Oakland Viaduct. It weighs 10 ton and actually is in need of some repair. The artist intended the structure to rust into a bed of slag. The slag has since been removed for flowers. It is located in George Warren Memorial Park/Garden on Water Ave.

The “Random Acts of Artists” have been essential to creating new art spaces downtown:

River Gardens Park- “Garden Gallery” colorful art installation – RAA artists

River Gardens Park- “Willow Way” living willow archway- Carol Novosel & RAA artists

River Garden Park – 5 wood cravings created by chainsaw artist Michael Long.

Flower Garden Gallery – 40 paintings created by RAA artists located on W. Connelly St.

Community Library of the Shenango Valley- “Literary Garden” colorful art installation with literary theme- RAA artists

Located the alley across from Vine St., is the home “Random Interface” 26 large portraits line the alley- RAA artists

Corner of S. Water Ave & State St.- “Indian Drum” Improvised mixed media drum assemblage- Stella Shine & RAA artists

Corner of S. Water Ave & State St.- “Dueling Piano’s” Improvised mixed media and wind chime assemblage- Terry Polonsky & RAA artists

Our Artist Marketplace is Growing and Looking for Talent

WaterFire Sharon, PA is excited to announce Jenn Crisan as our new Artisan Coordinator. Jenn is a fine art painter and is familiar with the local and national art market scene. We are working to grow the artisan marketplace at WaterFire Sharon. Apply via our website or directly at https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=5271 Contact Jenn at jenncrisan@gmail.com or artistinfo@waterfiresharonpa.org with any feedback or questions. We are looking forward to a great selling season in the artisan marketplace!

Apply any time on the Zapp App. Booth Size: 10′ x10′

Booth Fee:
One Event = $60
Two Events = $100
Three Events = $120

Seen enough? Ready to get involved?

Have you seen enough to make you want to join in? We welcome new volunteers! Come alone, in a group, whatever works for you! Whether you want to help in the preparation and planning, help set up vendors, work at the information center, tend to the braziers during the evening, or a variety of other areas to lend a hand, WaterFire Sharon would be happy to have you join in.  Our volunteers are known to say things like “I met so many new people and made so many new friends” and “It’s fun to be a part of something so big!” and of course “I’m always proud to see so many people come to our area and witness what we have going on here.”  Maybe you’ll feel just that same way after experiencing WaterFire as a volunteer.  Sign up for the next WaterFire event at the Souvenir and Information center located at the corner of West State Street and S. Water Avenue – in front of the food court.  Ask questions and see what you may enjoy the most!  If you can’t visit the booth, call our volunteer coordinator at (724) 301-1868 and Janet will be happy to fill you in on all the opportunities available to be a part of WaterFire.

Keep the fires burning!

Want to see WaterFire continue? We do, too! Please consider supporting this great event financially. Every dollar counts to make each lighting one that is safe, enjoyable, and a great mark on our entire area. A boost to tourism and business, WaterFire is also part of the celebration of the arts in the region. As part of the Community Foundation, your contribution is tax deductible. To make a donation, you can visit the Souvenir station during the event. Please help us keep the fires burning! Any donation to WaterFire Sharon is appreciated!  We simply cannot do it without our generous sponsors. Won’t you consider a sponsorship, big or small today? All financial contributions to WaterFire Sharon are 100% tax deductible.

To make a tax deductible contribution: WaterFire Sharon, 7 West State Street, Suite 301, Sharon PA 16146  |  (724) 981-5882 x111  |  info@waterfiresharonpa.org