Barberton celebrates “Heroes & Helpers”

BGNN staff report

BARBERTON  For the second year, Main Street Barberton presents the Heroes & Helpers Second Saturday event. 

The community celebration honors the people who keep the city safe and strong.

An afternoon of connection, gratitude and family fun is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 in the Barberton Public Library rear parking lot and the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. This event will feature first responders, community leaders, and nonprofit partners, all coming together to engage with the public and highlight the importance of community support.

“Heroes & Helpers is all about celebrating the everyday people who make Barberton better,” Melanie Black Amato, executive director of Main Street Barberton, said in the news release.

“From first responders to nonprofit teams, these are the individuals who show up for our community—and this is our chance to say thank you.”

All ages are welcome to meet and greet with first responders, see emergency vehicle displays and interactive demonstrations, try games and activities, dunk local “celebrities” in a dunk tank and pick up giveaways and info at booths from local nonprofit organizations.

Participating nonprofit partners include The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Embrace, Early Childhood Resource Center, Red Oak Behavioral Health and Victim Assistance Program.

The event is free and open to the public. 

Familiar faces taking the plunge in the dunk tank are Barberton Police Chief Vince Morber at 12:30 p.m.; Barberton Fire Chief Dave Polacek at 1 p.m.; Main Street Barberton Executive Director Melanie Black Amato at 1:30 p.m.; Barberton Head Varsity Football Coach Tony Gotto at 2 p.m.; Barberton Fire Department’s Duane Milford at 2:30 p.m.; Barberton Police Department Officer Velo at 3 p.m.; Barberton Varsity Volleyball and Softball Coach Macy Kaisk at 3:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.mainstreetbarberton.org and follow Main Street Barberton on Facebook.