West Carrollton’s SummerFest 2013 will be held from noon to 6 p.m., on Saturday, June 29, at Wilson Park.

A 5K Race, sponsored by the West Carrollton YMCA, will kick-off the festivities at 9 a.m. at the West Carrollton Middle School, before the festival begins. The race winners will be recognized at the festival’s main tent at noon.

At 12:30 p.m. six veterans representing military service during five different wars will be recognized and given a 21-gun salute. The veterans include: Mike Baker, Scott Bunker, Robert Call, Gerald Patrick, Boyd Pearson and Dale Ziska.

Other events scheduled for the main tent include: Valor Martial Arts demonstration at 1:30 p.m.; Bob Lovelace’s Tribute to Elvis at 2:30 p.m.; a performance by Special Delivery, a Blue-Grass band, at 4 p.m. and a demonstration by Cheer Magic at 5 p.m.

Other special events include: a fly-over by the Wright B Flyer at 1:30 p.m.; and two eating contests including chicken wings at 2 p.m. and ice cream at 3 p.m. in picnic shelter #3.

Activities that will continue throughout the day include a petting zoo, Kids Zone, dueling dunk tanks, water balloon contests, pony rides, mini-railroad, military displays, a climbing wall and pedal cars. “Each year, we aim to have activities for every age group,” said Peg Rinaldi, festival coordinator.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 28, to kick off the city of West Carrollton’s first Farmers Market located at 833 E. Central Ave. The market will continue through October 22 - open each Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m.

Seven vendors participated on the opening day of the market including: Blairquist Speciality Meats (dairy shares, meat) of Hollansburg; Bubbles, Bows & More (handmade detergents, soaps) of Moraine; El Meson Restaurant (fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods) of West Carrollton; Karolyn’s Gardens (fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, soaps) of Springboro; Natural Landscaping Services (nursery products) of Yellow Springs; Silva Scensations (soaps, shower gels, foot cream, body cream) of Centerville; Tom’s Garden (hot sauces & mustard) of Xenia;

Two additional produce vendors, Downing Fruit Farm and Spring Valley Farms, both located in New Madison, have also signed up to participate.

Additional vendors will be accepted as the season progresses. However, prior to participation, vendors are required to file an application permit, as well as pay a fee of $175 per 22-week season or $20 per week. Vendors, who are interested in more information, can contact Erika Mattingly, public relations coordinator, at (937) 847-4634 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Retired West Carrollton Police/Fire Dispatcher Lynn C. Gomez passed away May 14, 2013. 

Lynn started her career with the city in November 1976 and retired February 2003, serving the West Carrollton citizens for 27 years. 

“Lynn was an extremely good dispatcher, receiving numerous commendations during her time with the city,” according to Police Chief Rick Barnhart. He said she was well respected by both police and fire personnel, and possessed a wealth of knowledge about the city. 

“Lynn was known for her mild mannered nature both on and off duty, always remaining calm and passing that tone along to officers, fire fighters and citizens in need,” he said.  Her nurturing nature earned her the nickname ‘Mama Gomez’ as she took ‘everyone under her wing,’ Barnhart said.  “In fact, when I was hired, Lynn was my primary dispatcher and she would always give me a landmark to go along with an address to help guide me to a location,” he said.