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☕ One More Reason to Brag About Cleveland
The Djurin family’s fourth West Side business | The new Superman statue downtown
Good morning, Westsiders. I spent part of the weekend on Kelleys Island, and honestly? I left asking myself the same question I always do: “Why don’t I come here more often?”
We’ve got this wild little paradise an hour away—with lake views, golf carts, and just the right amount of chaos. So I’m making it official:
2026 = The Year of the Islands. Hold me to it, Buzz Nation.
Here’s what we’re buzzing on today:
🦸♂️ Man of Steel Plaza
🎢 Steel Vengeance gets national recognition
🦪 4th Annual Oyster Fest: Honoring Gavin Gill
Have a great week. See you out there!
—The Briggses

COMMUNITY BLEND
Cleveland Leans Into Superhero Identity 📍 Downtown

The unveiling of the Superman Statue | Fox8
Every city is searching for an identity it can be proud of. Chicago has wind and a giant metal bean; Pittsburgh has bridges and GPS-proof roads. And now, Cleveland is going full superhero.
Thanks to a big-budget Superman movie featuring Cleveland as a backdrop (take that, Metropolis), we’ve finally put a stake in the ground—or more accurately, an 18-foot-tall Kryptonian in a cape.
That’s right: a towering Man of Steel statue now stands proudly downtown, reminding everyone that Superman wasn’t born on Krypton… he was born in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, courtesy of comic book legends Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
To complete the scene, you’ll find bronze statues of Siegel, Shuster, and Joanne Siegel (the real-life muse for Lois Lane) gazing up at their creation like proud parents.
You can find this heroic piece of Cleveland history at Superman Plaza, tucked beside the Huntington Convention Center, keeping watch over St. Clair and Ontario.
And honestly? I think that’s way cooler than a giant shiny legume.
We’re curious to see what you all think.
Do you feel a connection to the Superman character and sense of pride it was created right here in Cleveland? |

TODAY IN CLEVELAND HISTORY

Today in 1914, Cleveland made history by installing the world’s first electric traffic signal at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street, bringing order to the chaos of early roadways filled with cars, horses, streetcars, and pedestrians.
Designed by James Hoge, this red-and-green light system was the blueprint for modern traffic control—and yet another reminder that Cleveland helped shape the future, one green light at a time.

FOOD TUESDAY
New Menu at Little Rose Tavern 📍 West Park
After years of hosting pop-ups and chefs like the beloved Green Kitchen, Roseanna Safos has stepped into the kitchen to deliver her dream: fun, Greek-style bar food with a personal twist.
As a certified Gyro enthusiast and dive bar food fan, I cannot wait to try everything on this menu.
From honey-drizzled loukoumades that make the place smell like a Greek festival to beef-and-lamb smash burgers and whipped feta dip, it’s a flavor-packed reminder that West Park’s food scene punches way above its weight.
Fourth Business, Same Family Recipe Magic 📍 Brunswick
Branka’s Bake Haus & Market just opened in Brunswick, marking the Djurin family’s fourth West Side business since arriving from Germany 25 years ago.
Known for Das Schnitzel Haus and Schnitzel Ale Brewery, they’ve grown steadily from Lakewood to Parma to Strongsville—and now Brunswick—with their signature “everything from scratch” approach.
The new shop features house-made baked goods, takeout meals, and cozy balcony seating.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Tacos, Tequila & Timbaland 📍 Avon
The Crushers are inviting you to get low, shed your hard shell, but politely ask you to keep your clothes on at the Tacos and Tequila Festival on September 27th.
They’re also bringing nostalgic hip-hop heavyweights like Lil Jon, Timbaland, Ginuwine, and Twista to our very own Westside backyard.

From Chappelle’s Show
Guests can try craft margaritas, sample some tequilas, and even judge a Chihuahua Beauty Pageant.
It’s a major-league party move from the Lake Erie Crushers' new leadership, who are clearly stepping up to make the stadium a go-to hub for big-time entertainment.
CEDAR POINT

Most people unwind by watching Netflix or maybe going on a walk.
Me? I write emails to strangers on the internet.
But Jacob Backall? This dude rides roller coasters for fun. Like... a lot of them.
Out of nearly 500 roller coasters ridden around the world, this thrill-seeking TikToker named Jacob declared his #1 favorite is Steel Vengeance — proudly located at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.
That’s right: the greatest roller coaster on the planet, according to a guy who’s basically a human coaster encyclopedia, lives in Sandusky, Ohio.
Jacob’s viral list—viewed over 4.6 million times—puts Cedar Point not once, but three times in his top 30, with Maverick and Top Thrill 2 also making the cut.
So if you needed one more reason to feel proud of your Cleveland roots, just remember: the world’s greatest roller coasters are right here on Lake Erie.
WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?
Featured Event
4th Annual Oyster Fest: Honoring Gavin & Supporting Type 1 Diabetes Awareness
Join the Rocky River community at Oyster Fest, an event to raise awareness for Type 1 Diabetes, dedicated to the memory of Gavin Gill, who was a 2017 Rocky River grad, rugby player, and all-around bright light. Gavin passed away in 2021 due to T1D, a tragedy that continues to fuel efforts for change.
Now in its 4th year, Oyster Fest raises funds and awareness through the Gavin Gill Scholarship Foundation, which:
Advocates for insulin accessibility
Awards scholarships to local students with T1D
Sends T1D youth to Camp Christopher, one of Gavin’s favorite places
Expect oysters, shrimp, cocktails, live music, a silent auction, and a lot of love — all in Rocky River Wine Bar’s brand-new open-air space.
🎟️ $98 Ticket Includes:
Fresh oysters & shrimp • Cheese & charcuterie • Hand-cut fries
Cocktail ticket • Live music • Silent auction & raffle
This event is a celebration of Gavin’s spirit and a call to action for a better future for those living with T1D. Come raise a glass and make a difference. Secure your spot
More This Week
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Not Just One Day Wonders |
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👨👩👧👦North Ridgeville Corn Festival Weekend The 50th anniversary of the North Ridgeville Corn Festival is here, and it’s bigger and butterier than ever! This no cost, three-day celebration packs in live music, family fun, kids’ crafts, and the festival’s first-ever drone light show (Friday night at 9:45 PM with 100 drones lighting up the sky). Catch the classic car show Saturday morning, cheer on the corn eating contest in the afternoon, and don’t miss the grand parade on Sunday. $0 admission, $0 parking, and plenty of corn. |
👨👩👧👦Cuyahoga County Fair The 128th Cuyahoga County Fair is packed with all the classics, plus a few new surprises. Alongside the funnel cakes and livestock barns, expect stilt walkers, harness racing, acoustic sets… and Elvis?? Don’t miss Jungle Bob’s animal show, Friday–Sunday night fireworks + drones, and a new 100-foot Drop Zone ride. Sunday’s demolition derby is a fan favorite, and the fair’s Stop the Hunger, Stock the Trailer food drive is a great reason to bring some nonperishables along for a good cause. |
👨👩👧👦The Cleveland Market |
Wednesday, August 6th |
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Bourbon & Cigar Tasting with Bardstown Bourbon |
Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter’s 5th Annual Dunk for Dollars |
👨👩👧👦 Public Square Concert Series: Country Honk |
Thursday, August 7th |
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Summer Brunch Cooking Class |
👨👩👧👦 Old Brooklyn Farmers Market |
Friday, August 8th |
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👨👩👧👦North Ridgeville Corn Festival Weekend Kick-Off The Festival turns 50 this year, and the Friday night kickoff is bringing the celebration in style with opening ceremonies at 7 PM, followed by a first-ever drone light show over the gazebo at 9:45 PM. No cost admission, parking, kids' crafts, and live entertainment all weekend long. Embrace your corny side |
Walkabout Tremont |
Fashion & Folk Pop-Up with CMA |
2025 Artists in Residence Showcase |
Lavell Crawford |
MGK Weekend: Opening Night Machine Gun Kelly kicks off his hometown weekend under the stars at Jacobs Pavilion, with a special performance, a DJ set from Emo Night Brooklyn, and surprise guests. Catch the kickoff concert |
👨👩👧👦Friday Night Under The Lights Movie Night Kick off your weekend with football drills and games led by the Fairview Park City Schools team, followed by a team tunnel run at 7:50 PM and a field screening of Little Giants at 8. Bring a blanket (no chairs allowed) and grab snacks from the open concession stand! |
Saturday, August 9th |
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Dueling Piano Night |
All-Levels Patio Yoga |
GLBC Beer & Music Festival |
👨👩👧👦Crocker Kids - Back to School Bash |
👨👩👧👦Super Saturdays at Beck Center, Presented by PNC |
Vital Turns One | A Birthday Celebration |
👨👩👧👦 Sunset Beach Fest |
Sunday, August 10th |
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Maker's Market @ MGK Day Cleveland artists take center stage at this special “For Art’s Sake” Makers Market pop-up during MGK Day, featuring 10 local makers who’ve been awarded support to grow their craft. Shop handmade goods, connect with the city’s creative community, and celebrate the local talent powering CLE’s arts scene. |
An Evening with Seanie Vaughan |
👨👩👧👦 Kamm's Corners Farmers Market Colab with Cle Market |
👨👩👧👦 Laska Lakewood Community Market Laska means love—and this neighborhood market is packed with it! With 25+ local vendors, artists, makers, vintage sellers, mini yard sales, and food from Cosmic Delights and Bearden’s, it’s a Sunday stroll you don’t want to skip. |
Weather
Tuesday
84 🌡️ 65 | 🌤 | 12% | 💨 SE 6-9 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Wednesday
83 🌡️ 66 | 🌤 | 5% | 💨 SE 6-9 mph 🌊 2 feet or less
Thursday
84 🌡️ 68 | 🌤 | 7% | 💨 E 7 mph 🌊 2 feet or less
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 77ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. Share today’s email with someone whose birthday is today.
Until Friday,
—The Briggses