Crowds line the streets as the annual Buhl Day Parade kicks off a day of fun

 HERMITAGE  Crowds of people lined up along the parade route of the annual Buhl Day Parade Monday morning.

The celebration returned to Hermitage on Labor Day with live entertainment, a car show, fun, and food. The free community event runs until 6 p.m. 

Buhl Day, which began in 1915, honors the philanthropic legacy of Frank H. Buhl. The event brings thousands of visitors to the park each Labor Day.

"Buhl Day is a reflection of everything our park stands for—community, tradition, and a welcoming space for all,” said Julie Eckenrod, Director of Marketing at Buhl Park. "Our Buhl Day Committee works hard to make this event come alive each year, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating lasting memories for families across the Shenango Valley and beyond."

The day's events began with the Buhl Day Parade at 9:30 a.m., starting at Hermitage Towne Plaza  into Buhl Park. East State Street is closed until 11:30 a.m. from Dutch Lane/Maple Drive to Buhl Boulevard. This closure affects all side streets between these two points and all areas between Highland Road and the Shenango Valley Freeway. Limited access will be available to Hermitage Towne Plaza.

Following the parade, family-friendly activities are planned from noon to 4 p.m. on Pokorney Drive. These include a Rainbow Bounce House, a Princess Bounce House, a Double Lane Slide, and a Dunk Tank. For teenagers, the park will have axe-throwing, a basketball challenge, and a temporary tattoo station.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day at the Performing Arts Center. The Shenango Valley Chorale will perform from 11:30 a.m. to noon and again from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m., after the opening ceremony and national anthem.

The main musical act, Parrots of the Caribbean, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will perform from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Other entertainment will include the Buhl Mermaids at the Casino Pool at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and a Children's Theater Showcase at 2 p.m. The Reunion Band will conclude the day's performances from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

A diverse selection of food vendors will be on-site, with options ranging from fair foods to other offerings. The Buhl Park Cabin Café will sell cheeseburgers, nachos, and apple dumplings. Giovanni's/Everyday I'm Catering will offer pizza slices and meatballs, while Haitian Sensation will serve pulled pork sandwiches and Caribbean punch. The Kiwanis Club of Shenango Valley will provide sausage sandwiches, and Rita's Italian Ice and Custard will have frozen treats. Visitors can also find kettle corn, funnel cakes, French fries, and other snacks.