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- ☕ The Cuyahoga River Now Slightly More Famous
☕ The Cuyahoga River Now Slightly More Famous
Golden Retrievers, Card Games, Something’s Brewing
Good morning, Buzz Nation. Today is National Mascot Day…yes, that’s a real holiday (and no, we’re not just saying that because Slider from the Cleveland Guardians threatened us with a foam finger).
Here at The Westside Buzz, we like to think of ourselves as the unofficial mascots of all the people, places, and perfectly buttered pierogies that make the Westside the best side.
Today we’re buzzing on:
🚢 Thoroughly enjoying a night by the Cuyahoga
🎾 A revitalized Cleveland park with tons of free activities
🧶 A Bay Village craft meetup
Hope to see you there!
—The Briggses

COMMUNITY BLEND
Cuyahoga River is officially designated 📍 Downtown

According to a press release from the Department of the Interior, our beloved waterway with a checkered past just earned some serious credibility. It's now officially a National Water Trail, and we couldn't be more proud.
What Does This Mean for Us Westsiders?
The newly designated trail stretches 41 miles from Summit County all the way to downtown Cleveland, which means it flows right past our neighborhoods.
This isn't just ceremonial…the designation opens doors to federal grants and funding that could mean better access points, improved facilities, and enhanced recreational opportunities along our stretch of the river.
Translation: more ways for us to actually enjoy this natural resource we've been living next to all along.
The best part? You don't need to be an expert paddler. The trail is designed for everyone, from families wanting a gentle float to more experienced adventurers seeking urban exploration.
SOMETHING FUN
Speaking of the Cuyahoga River 📍 The Flats
Last Thursday, instead of diving into the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd at Jacob’s Pavilion for the Caamp show (and dropping $20 on a single drink 😅), Jodie and I went for something a little more laid back. Honestly, it was kind of magical.
We rolled out a blanket at Settler’s Landing Park, just across the river, joined by about 100 other clever Clevelanders who had the same idea. We had front-row seats to one of the best views of the Flats, a picnic packed with our favorites, and the sound of Caamp drifting perfectly across the water.
As the daylight faded, the M/V Sam Laud, a 634-foot-long lake freighter built in 1975, slid past the venue, which made the scene feel peaceful, real, and very Cleveland.
If you’re not super familiar with the band, or just want a low-key way to enjoy live music nights in the Flats, this is such a great option. You still get the vibes, the music, and the city magic with a bit more breathing room and maybe a bottle of wine tucked in your picnic basket.
Now, Friday’s a whole different story… We’ll be right there at the Pavilion to catch Goose (Connecticut’s finest jam band) live and in person. Because let’s be honest—nothing beats summer nights by the river, music in the air, and that electric feeling only Cleveland can deliver.
Catch you out there ✌️
POLL
Here at The Westside Buzz, we're dreaming up more ways to bring people together offline. Our goal is less screen time and more face time (and laughs).
One idea we’re toying with?
A fast-paced, Cleveland-themed card game in the spirit of Exploding Kittens. Our aim would be for it to be full of local flavor, weird trivia, and inside jokes only true Clevelanders will get.
Would you be up for playing (or even helping us test) a fun, ridiculous, and proudly Cleveland card game with your friends and family? Let us know! |
WESTSIDE POUR OVER
🍺 Lorain: Jeff and Andrea Neal opened their new waterfront bar Trent's Joint on the River in Lorain, complete with indoor and outdoor seating, a boat dock, and murals honoring their late son. The Joint is a heartfelt tribute to 28-year-old Trent who died in a car accident two years ago, with his father sharing that while "time heals the pain, it doesn't,"
💗 Avon: Two 11-year-old boys who both lost their fathers, one to ALS, one to heart disease, formed an unlikely friendship that led to a powerful Father's Day fundraiser at an Ohio baseball stadium, raising $35,000 while proving that even in grief, children can inspire entire communities to turn tragedy into hope. Full story 👉 here
🏨 Strongsville: Residents are wary of a proposed three-star hotel planned across from SouthPark Mall on Falling Water Road, with over 250 citizens signing a petition to oppose the development that would require City Council rezoning approval. Click here for a list of residents’ concerns over the proposed new development.
FOR THE KIDS
Need something for the kids this Summer? 📍 Impett Park

Leslie, The Impett Park Play Director
If you haven’t checked out Impett Park lately, now’s the time. The West Park greenspace, playground, and pool has made big improvements, and it’s the ultimate summer spot for kids to stay active, engaged, and having fun.
From supervised games and crafts to free field trips to the zoo, splash pad, and roller rink, something exciting is happening every weekday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM with Leslie, the energetic and caring Play Director who brings tons of experience and heart to the program. Just grab a free permission slip from her at the park—transportation is included!
Kids ages 8–17 can also enjoy free drop-in tennis lessons at Impett, Gunning, or Jefferson Park, Monday through Thursday from 10 AM–12 PM or 1–3 PM through July 13. Sign up here.
Plus, don’t miss the free healthy lunch offered daily from 12–12:30 PM.
Whether your kids love sports, crafts, adventures, or just making new friends, Impett Park is packed with fun all summer long—and it's all free!
Short Takes: Craft meetup group 📍 Bay Village
Feeling crafty but your yarn stash is starting to give you judgmental looks?
Join the Neon Heron Craft Community—a weekly Wednesday wind-down where creativity, conversation, and the occasional tangled skein are all welcome!
Starting tomorrow, you’ll gather with fellow makers on the cozy porch of the Fuller House at BAYarts to knit, crochet, decoupage, or just joyfully glue things to other things.
For just $14 (starter kit included!), you’ll not only spark your creative spirit—you’ll also be supporting a Sensory Garden, so your good vibes literally plant roots.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Holy Schnikes! Tommy Boy Fest 2025 📍 Downtown Sandusky

Whoever created this poster deserves a raise
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic comedy Tommy Boy, Sandusky is throwing a weekend-long bash in honor of the movie that made us laugh, cry, and quote endlessly.
Some of the highlights of the weekend include:
Tommy Want Wingy Throwdown
Q&A session with director Peter Segel (with the actual convertible from the movie!)
Tommy Boy Look-alike contest
A classic car show
& much more
How much do I love Tommy Boy?
When I was a kid, I carried a Tommy Boy VHS tape with me everywhere—just in case I found a VCR and could squeeze in one more watch. That’s the kind of fan I am. 😄
See you in Sandusky—fat guy in a little coat optional, but highly encouraged.
WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?
Want to feature an event with a custom poster in front of 17,000 Westsiders? Let’s talk! hello(at)thewestsidebuzz.com
Wednesday, June 18th |
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The West Side Market Tour Take a guided stroll through Cleveland’s iconic West Side Market with tastings from select vendors, followed by a casual panel discussion next door at Market Garden Brewery with West Side Market management. Tour begins in Market Square Park at 4 PM, with food and drink available for purchase at the brewpub afterward. Tickets |
Oyster Night with Edacious Kitchen and Bar |
Summer Trivia Kickoff |
Paint Night |
Boozy Bingo with C.S Folk |
Thursday, June 19th |
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👨👩👧👦 The 2025 Party in the Park - Summer Concert Series + CLE Market |
Miniature Night: Art | Florals | Donuts |
Comedy Hour with Bill Squire & Friends |
Secret Garden Party “Tango Tiki Twist” |
Friday, June 20th |
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Sunrise Summer Solstice Yoga |
Summer Solstice Shrimp Boil with Sierra Nevada |
Luscious Summer Solstice Soiree |
👨👩👧👦Front Porch Concert Series |
THIRD FRIDAY Art Walk |
Saturday, June 21st |
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👨👩👧👦Race for Kids 2025 |
👨👩👧👦Rediscover Veterans Memorial Bridge |
Ohio Wine & Beer Show 2025 |
Official Pride Bar Crawl |
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Solstice Event |
Sunday, June 22nd |
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👨👩👧👦RESCHEDULED: Golden Retriever Meet-Up |
Marvel Trivia Marvel trivia hosted by Last Call includes themed cocktails and a costume contest. Reservations |
👨👩👧👦 Healthy Rocky River + Hilliard Hustle 5K Race |
Sol Sunday Rooftop Yoga This ticket serves as a day pass to our pool/pool deck after the yoga session! Tickets |
Weather
Tuesday
80 🌡️ 70 | ⛈ | 50% | 💨 SW 8 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Wednesday
82 🌡️ 68 | ⛈ | 60% | 💨 SW 7-9 mph 🌊 2 feet or less
Juneteenth
76 🌡️ 65 | 🌦 | 40% | 💨 SW 8-16 mph 🌊 3 to 5 feet, subsiding to 1 to 3 feet
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 54ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. Liked something in today’s newsletter? Share it with a friend!
Until Friday,
—The Briggses
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