Heart of Willoughby Hosts 5th Annual Last Stop Willoughby

The Heart of Willoughby is presenting the 5th Annual Last Stop Willoughby on Saturday, August 18.

“This year, we will continue to showcase Downtown Willoughby,” said Kathi Cannon, Heart of Willoughby president. “The 2011 event was excellent. We are looking forward to doing it again only bigger and better than before.”

Last Stop Willoughby begins at 8 a.m. at the Willoughby Outdoor Market, which features a variety of vendors from Northeast Ohio offering fruits, vegetables, breads, pastries and more. At 10 am, downtown Willoughby’s retail merchants kick off their sidewalk sale.

Making its return is “The Taste of Willoughby”. Participating Downtown Willoughby restaurants will serve outside from Noon to 5 p.m.

There are two contests running for restaurants to receive “Best of” honors. All those who attend the event will have an opportunity to vote for their favorites. Just pick up a ballot at each restaurant, complete it and return to the information table at Point Park.

These ballots determine the People’s Choice Best of Winner. In addition, a judging panel will choose Overall Judges Best of Winner after sampling items from each restaurant. All returned ballots have a chance to win a Willoughby basket featuring items from local businesses.

Entertainment in the gazebo will begin at noon and conclude at 9 pm. The Pic Nics, Joe’s Music Kid’s Band, Black Sheep Pipe and Drum, and The Two Souls will each bring a different sound to the event. The annual parade begins at 2 pm. For the kids, there are arts & crafts and games in the KidZone at Point Park.

Trolley tours, which have been one of the most popular activities in past years, are returning with a little flair. Historic Lolly the Trolley tours run from noon – 7 p.m. Back by popular demand, the special Haunted Trolley tour returns with extended hours from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition, returning this year are train displays, located in City Hall and viewings of “A Stop at Willoughby,” a Willoughby-inspired Twilight Zone.

Last Stop Willoughby will conclude with a 9 p.m. viewing of “The Goonies” at Wes Point Park. Charter One Bank is sponsoring free popcorn.

Parking and driving restrictions for the event is as follows:
River Street Closure all day – Prospect Street to Erie Street
Erie Street storefront parking spaces – closed all day for safety reasons
Following the Outdoor Market – Parking will resume in the City Hall Parking lot

Due to the parking restrictions, a FREE parking shuttle from Todd Field to Point Park will run from Noon to Midnight.

The timetable for the event is as follows:
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Willoughby Outdoor Market
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Merchant Sidewalk Sale
12 p.m.– 5 p.m. Taste of Willoughby
12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Entertainment/Music in Gazebo (Short break from 2-4 for parade)
12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Train Displays in City Hall and Willoughby Coal
12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Twilight Zone “A Stop in Willoughby” viewing room in City Hall
12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Historic Trolley Tours
12 p.m. – 7 p.m. KidZone – Point Park
12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Vendor Village – River Street
2 p.m. Parade
3:45 p.m. Parade Award Ceremony at Wes Point Park
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Haunted Trolley Tours
9 p.m. “The Goonies” – Point Park

Visit the official Last Stop Willoughby page here: www.DTWilloughby.com/LastStopWilloughby.