Get a handle on Basket Festival

BERLIN HEIGHTS — Whether for the fireworks, food or other festivities, there are plenty of reasons to visit a summertime staple event happening this weekend. A jam-packed schedule — filled with live entertainment, presentations by students, a pancake breakfast and more — makes up this year's Basket Festival, which kicks off Friday afternoon and spans through Sunday morning. For this year's Basket Festival, organizers borrowed inspiration from Disneyland's It's a Small World attraction. The ride "was designed to celebrate global unity, (and) the core concept revolves around the idea that the world is small and interconnected, emphasizing harmony and understanding between different cultures," festival co-president Andy Keller. And, for years, "The Basket Festival has been a powerful force for bringing people together," Keller said. He explained. "It's provided an opportunity for individuals to connect with their community, to make new friends and to celebrate common values and beliefs. It has also created a sense of belonging and unity, encouraging social interaction and providing a platform for people to share experiences, stories and traditions," Keller said. "Whether it is a small community gathering or a large international event, festivals have the power to unite people from all walks of life." Keller welcomes people to show up for this year's Basket Festival, noting how "there's something for everyone." "The Basket Festival showcases the best of our community and the heritage of our small town," he said, noting it's "what makes a small town special: sharing memories of our past and hopes for the future (with a) bond that can not be broken." Want to go? Here's a look at some notable events happening each day. Most activities happen in and around Center Street. Some do occur at nearby Edison Middle School. People can visit facebook.com/bhbasketfestival or basketfestival.com to see a full listing and locations. Friday • 4 p.m. — Festival opens, including vendors and beer tent • 4-8 p.m. — Garden club flower show • 4-9 p.m. — Petting zoo • 4:30 p.m. — Haystack Nationals diecast car race • 5:30 p.m. — Beautiful baby contest • 6 p.m. — Basket bounce contest • 7-10 p.m. — Bryce & Rylie, acoustic rock group • 7 p.m. — Royalty contests • 7:45 p.m. — Citizen of the Year Award presentation • 10:15 p.m. — Fireworks Saturday • 9 a.m. — Bake sale • 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Car show • 10:30 a.m. — Pie-baking contest • 11 a.m. — Festival opens; Barbecue chicken dinner begins; John Hartman Memorial Kiddie Tractor Pull • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Petting zoo • Noon — Kids big-wheel race • 12:30 p.m. — K-9 demonstration by the Erie County Sheriff's Office • 1:30 p.m. — Grand parade • 2:30 p.m. — Introduction of visiting royalty and parade awards; Tractor show • 3 p.m. — Edison High School band concert; Edison High School cheerleaders performance • 3:30 p.m. — North American Martial Arts Institute demonstration • 4-5 p.m. — Fun With Fireman event with Berlin Township fire • 4:30-5 p.m. — Christian Cloggers • 5 p.m. — Kids frozen T-shirt contest; Cornhole tournament • 5:15 p.m. — Food-eating contests • 6 p.m. — Kids dodgeball • 7-10 p.m. — Rumours • 9:30 p.m. — Prizes and raffle drawings Sunday • 7 a.m. to noon — Fireman's pancake breakfast at the Berlin Heights Fire Department, 12101 Ohio 61; 5K registration begins at Quarry Hill Orchards, 8403 Mason Road • 9 a.m. — Basket Festival 5K begins