by Tess Wolfe

Reporter

Munroe Falls -- The banks of the Cuyahoga River will receive cleanup efforts and play host to an annual community event May 17.

River Day 2008 will begin with the annual pancake and sausage breakfast hosted by the Munroe Falls Fire and Rescue Association at Fire Station 1, 43 Munroe Falls Ave.

At Brust Park, beginning at 9 a.m., area Boy Scouts are scheduled to join other volunteers in pulling garlic mustard weeds that grow near the river.

"Bring gloves and boots if you want to be involved in the river-front cleanup," suggested Gail Moseley, president of the Munroe Falls park board. "Long pants would be a good idea, too."

A large 20-foot-by-80-foot tent will be set up at Brust Park offering information from a variety of agencies and organizations, she said. Among those will be the Summit County Soil and Water District, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the National Wildlife Federation.

"It's looking good," said Mayor Frank Larson. "There are going to be a ton of activities."

Music will be performed by "Implied Logic," as well as by local musician Guy Pernetti throughout the day.

A petting zoo will be available, with live native Ohio animals brought by the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.

"This is a pretty traditional event in Munroe Falls," said Moseley. "We looked at what events went on last year and tried to upgrade them."

The Crooked River Jaycees will provide hot dogs, hamburgers and Italian sausage sandwiches to those who attend this year's festival.

Additionally, the Munroe Falls Historical Society will host an open house event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Historical Museum, 83 Munroe Falls Ave.

The Munroe Falls Garden Club will have perennial plants and flowers for sale in front of the Historical Museum's garage.

Also on hand will be a sampling of this year's Farmers Market, introducing six of its vendors.

The Farmers Market kicked off for the time last summer in Brust Park. The event took place once each week from July through October.

"There's a little something for everyone," Moseley said. "It's a fun day."

For additional information about this year's River Day event, call Munroe Falls City Hall at 330-688-7491 or access the "Current New and Events" section of the city's Web site at www.munroefalls.com.

E-mail: twolfe@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3916