The Westside Buzz
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☕ A Cure For Your Labor Day Hangover

☕ A Cure For Your Labor Day Hangover

Cavs rookie, a new park, and Avon’s next big move

September 02, 2025

Good morning, Buzz Nation.

Labor Day’s over, which means Cleveland summer is basically on its last leg. But here’s the thing: September might just be the best time of year on the southern shores of Lake Erie.

No humidity. Golden sunsets. Cold beer around campfires. Football on the TV. And just enough crisp in the air to remind you to savor the moment.

We had a big weekend, so today’s edition of the Buzz is brief and to the point. Back at full strength Friday!

Today we’re buzzing on:

🏀 Cavs Rookie making a name in the community
🏚️ Historic Lakewood building damaged
🎤 Avon’s rise as an entertainment hub

Here’s to the Westside and beyond,

—The Briggses

COMMUNITY BLEND

Cavs Rookie Proctor Scores Points Off Court 📍 Avon

From Mikey McNuggest on X.com (The everything app)

Cleveland sports rookies have two options: pull a Johnny Manziel (Vegas wig disguise and skipped practices… yes, that actually happened) or win the city over right away.

Luckily for us, new Cavs guard Tyrese Proctor chose the second path.

This week, he showed up in Avon to host a back-to-school shopping spree, handing out gift cards and helping local kids pick out new gear at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Safe to say, Proctor’s already scored his first win with Cleveland fans—on or off the court.

Park Pulls Off a Happy Accident? 📍 Lakewood

Here’s the short version: Madison Park needed a new entrance. The city happened to take ownership of a crumbling old house sitting in the perfect spot. Boom—problem solved. House gone, new entrance in.

This is the opposite of ‘red tape.’ Instead of letting an abandoned house rot, they turned it into a fresh access point for Birdtown neighbors, Harrison Elementary kids, and anyone who wants to cut straight into one of the city’s most beloved parks.

They even recycled the old bricks into a new plaza.

Speaking of ‘red tape’, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new entrance to the park this Saturday, September 6th at 1 PM.

WESTSIDE POUR OVER

🚧 Strongsville: The city received a $778,380 state grant to help extend Foltz Industrial Parkway by 2,000 feet, a $4.3 million project that will open 40+ acres of land for new industrial development and is set to finish by October.

🚒 Lakewood: A late-night fire severely damaged the historic 1926 building at 1422 Hopkins Avenue, now home to Firehouse Yoga. No one was inside and no injuries were reported.

⚕️ North Ridgeville: North Ridgeville educators and best friends Julie Bugala and Lucha Swindig share an extraordinary bond after Lucha donated 60% of her liver to save Julie’s life, turning a 15-year friendship into a story of sacrifice, survival, and gratitude.

COMING SOON

Ready, Set, Go! K1 Speed Races Onto Nagel Road 📍 Avon

From K1 Speed’s website

Avon has some of the best entertainment options on the Westside. Take in a Crushers game, swing into the new Top Golf, or experience full-contact Costco on a Saturday morning. Add one more elite night out idea to the list of options.

K1 Speed (the indoor go-kart franchise) is opening its third Ohio location at 1500 Nagel Road in Avon.

So what makes K1 Speed different from the old gas-powered karts you remember?

All-electric power: These aren’t your lawn mower engines. K1’s European-style karts are 100% electric and crank out serious torque and horsepower.

Real speed: Wheel-to-wheel racing at speeds up to 45 mph on an indoor track.

With locations from California to Florida, K1 has built a national reputation for high-octane fun—and now Cleveland’s Westside is getting in on the action.

CEDAR POINT

Time to Worry About the Future of Cedar Point?

Photo by: @BDaugstrup on X

Six Flags is facing major financial troubles, with declining attendance, falling season pass sales, and mounting debt, sparking fears of asset sell-offs or even bankruptcy.

While smaller parks are on the chopping block, analysts say Cedar Point—one of the crown jewels of the amusement park world—remains safe from any sale thanks to its iconic status and profitability.

For Cleveland-area fans, that means our beloved coaster capital should stay secure, but the recent issues with some of the flagship rides could affect future investments, ticket pricing, and the overall guest experience.

For those who’ve visited Cedar Point lately: does it seem like Six Flags’ influence is showing?

WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦=Family Friendly

🗓️ = Multiple Days

Wednesday, September 3rd
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Public Square Concert Series: Sugar Magnolia Public Square, Downtown \| 5 - 8 PM Grateful Dead tribute band Sugar Magnolia brings their only summer 2025 show to the Square, joined by guest guitarist Chase Franklin. With food trucks, drinks, and plenty of room to dance, it’s a fun downtown night made for music lovers.
Charcuterie and Wine Night Tapster, Lakewood \| 7 - 9 PM Sip your way through four curated wine pours while learning to build your own charcuterie board with expert pairing tips. It’s equal parts tasting workshop and night out, perfect for wine lovers and snack enthusiasts alike. Pour it up

Wednesday, September 3rd

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Public Square Concert Series: Sugar Magnolia
Public Square, Downtown | 5 - 8 PM

Grateful Dead tribute band Sugar Magnolia brings their only summer 2025 show to the Square, joined by guest guitarist Chase Franklin. With food trucks, drinks, and plenty of room to dance, it’s a fun downtown night made for music lovers.

Charcuterie and Wine Night
Tapster, Lakewood | 7 - 9 PM

Sip your way through four curated wine pours while learning to build your own charcuterie board with expert pairing tips. It’s equal parts tasting workshop and night out, perfect for wine lovers and snack enthusiasts alike. Pour it up

Thursday, September 4th
Painting with a Twist x Ultimate Girl Dinner Georgetown Vosh, Lakewood \| 6 - 9 PM Celebrate fall early with a girls’ night of painting, sipping, and seasonal flavors at Georgetown Vosh. From porch leaners to wine glasses, create your own festive piece while enjoying food, drinks, and company. Grab your girls!

Friday, September 5th
MIX: 90s Homecoming Cleveland Museum of Art, University Circle \| 6–10 PM Travel back in time (and to the east side) for CMA’s 90s throwback party. DJs Cassie Trainer and Rachel Hunt spin the hits while cocktails, retro art-making, and a selfie station set the vibe. This is how we do it
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Rocket Arena, Downtown \| 🗓️ Times Vary, Friday & Saturday Hot Wheels Monster Trucks roar into Rocket Arena with oversized tires, big stunts, and even bigger crashes. This family-friendly show delivers back-to-back nights of high-octane fun for kids and grown-ups alike.

Friday, September 5th

MIX: 90s Homecoming
Cleveland Museum of Art, University Circle | 6–10 PM

Travel back in time (and to the east side) for CMA’s 90s throwback party. DJs Cassie Trainer and Rachel Hunt spin the hits while cocktails, retro art-making, and a selfie station set the vibe. This is how we do it

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live
Rocket Arena, Downtown | 🗓️ Times Vary, Friday & Saturday

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks roar into Rocket Arena with oversized tires, big stunts, and even bigger crashes. This family-friendly show delivers back-to-back nights of high-octane fun for kids and grown-ups alike.

Saturday, September 6th
Brunch Bingo Lago East Bank, The Flats \| 10:30 AM - 1 PM B-4 you make other plans, join Lago for a monthly mashup of brunch plates, bingo rounds, and bottomless mimosas. With prizes on the line and extra cards up for grabs, every Sunday feels like a win. More mimosa’s please!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 37th Annual Lakewood Community Festival Madison Park, Lakewood \| 11 AM - 5 PM Lakewood’s summer finale returns with homemade pierogies, stuffed cabbage, sweet treats, kids’ games, and live music in Madison Park. A celebration of culture, food, and community spirit, it’s a tradition that keeps growing year after year.
I’m From Cleveland Arts & Music Festival Jacobs Pavilion, The Flats \| 4 - 11 PM Austin Millz, Tropidelic, DJ Steph Floss, Rook, and more lead a lineup that blends local talent with national names. Add in art installations, vendors, and Cleveland pride on full display, and you’ve got a festival made for the city.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 19th Annual Dog Swim with Love a Stray Avon Lake Municipal Pool, Avon Lake \| 11 AM - 3 PM Love-A-Stray Dog Division takes over the Avon Lake pool for a pup-only swim day. With hundreds of dogs splashing, playing, and making friends, it’s one of the most joyful events of the year.
Sip & Shop Craft Event: Fido's Companion Rescue Klingshirn Winery, Avon Lake \| 10 AM - 2 PM Sip local wine, shop artisan goods, and support a great cause at this outdoor market. Each vendor gives back, with proceeds benefiting a different pet nonprofit each month. Perfect for a laid-back Saturday with friends (and maybe a bottle or two).
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great Lakes Brewing Co. 37th Anniversary Party Great Lakes Brewing Co., Ohio City \| All Day GLBC marks 37 years with live music, family activities, chalk art, and an exclusive Honey Elderflower Ale tapping. From balloon animals to beer school, it’s a day-long celebration of Cleveland’s original craft brewery.

Sunday, September 7th
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Oktoberfest Family Day Hofbrauhaus, Downtown \| 11 AM - 2 PM Bring the family down for a petting zoo, face painting, crafts, and a special brunch menu. Viel Spaß
Cleveland Bazaar Market Square Park, Ohio City \| 10 AM - Cleveland Bazaar brings a curated lineup of local makers, artists, and creatives to Ohio City. Shop handmade goods and support small businesses!
Westside Block Party: Southeast Asian Festival Edgewater Park, Cleveland \| 2 - 7 PM Celebrate the rich culture of Southeast Asian countries like Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Burma. Taste the cuisine, take in a live performance, and don’t be afraid to dance. Info here
Yoga on the Patio Flight Cleveland, Gordon Square \| 1 - 2 PM Unwind with a 60-minute all-levels yoga class led by Alicia Hansen, and toast after with a post-flow mimosa (or NA sip) on the patio at Flight. BYO mat, water, and props! Namaste
LASKA Lakewood Community Market Corner of Madison & Cordova, Lakewood \| 11 AM - 7 PM LASKA brings another full-day market with 25+ local vendors, food trucks, henna, face painting, and live music, including a songwriter showcase. It’s a neighborhood celebration of art, food, and community that keeps the season rolling. Shop Lakewood

Weather

Tuesday

78 🌡️ 58 | ☀ | 0% | 💨 S 6 mph 🌊 1 foot or less

Wednesday

81 🌡️ 59 | ☀🌦 | 50% | 💨 SW 8 mph 🌊 2 feet or less

Thursday

66 🌡️ 50 | ⛈ | 80% | 💨 W 14 mph 🌊 5 to 8 feet, occasionally 10

Friday

71 🌡️ 54 | 🌤 | 30% | 💨 SW 7-14 mph 🌊 2 to 4 feet, building to 3 to 6

💧^{🌡️ Water temperature = 73ºF}

That’s it for today, Westsiders. Do us a huge favor and send this email to someone who ate too many hot dogs this past weekend.

Until Friday,

—The Briggses