Nostalgic memories swept through the Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Beach Park on Sunday, Sept. 28, as visitors gathered for the 20th annual “Remembering the Sights and Sounds of Euclid Beach Park.”

Kevin’s Northeast Ohio Amusement Memories shares some artifacts.Recollections of the scent of Euclid Beach popcorn balls, Weber’s Premium Custard & Ice Cream, Italian sausage, and French fries lingered the last weekend of September—transporting attendees back to the heyday of the beloved Euclid Beach Park.

The event, organized by the Euclid Beach Park Now (EBPN) board of directors, featured many attractions that preserved and celebrated the history and traditions of Euclid Beach Park, which first opened 130 years ago, in June 1895, and operated until 1969.

A vintage car show drew crowds to the parking lot, where the auto owners swapped stories about the cars they once drove to the park as teenagers.

Historical displays from the Collinwood Nottingham Historical Society, Amusement Preservation Museum (AMP), Kevin’s Northeast Ohio Amusement Memories (KNEOAM), and EBPN filled picnic tables throughout the event area—offering visitors a chance to view rare artifacts and learn about Euclid Park’s history.

One of the exhibits included a collection of Euclid Beach relics brought by AMP’s Troy Parsh. A flatbed trailer displayed a #33 Dodgem car, a Laff in the Dark ride car, a Kiddie Rodeo horse, and a Flying Turns ticket chopper.

Additionally, Parsh, assisted by his parents Pattie and Rob, sold 3D-printed models of the Euclid Beach Arch.

President John F. Kennedy and First Lade Jackie Kennedy during a 1960 campaign stop to Euclid Beach Park.Kevin Smith, founder of KNEOAM and Euclid Beach Park Now vice president, showcased some of his personal favorites, including a bandstand podium once used by Vic Stuart’s Orchestra, an original section of the Arch’s base, and a rare photo slide of President John F. Kennedy’s and First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s September 1960 campaign stop at Euclid Beach Park.

Children and their parents lined up for a ride in the Euclid Beach Rocket Car, operated by the Euclid Beach Boys, while online radio WIXY 1260's Ray T. played classic oldies tunes.

Many attendees sang along to the song Amusement Parks U.S.A. by The Beach Boys, which mentions Euclid Beach Park while playing the laughter of Laughing Sal and the whir of the Flying Turns.

Local artist Joanie Deveney, known as “Joan of Art,” exhibited a model of the Euclid Beach Arch, while a greeting card commemorating the 130th anniversary of the park’s opening was available for guests to sign.

Ward 8 Cleveland City Council member Mike Polensek, a longtime advocate for preserving the Euclid Beach Arch, addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of saving and celebrating the site’s legacy. Meanwhile, James McKnight, City of Cleveland senior landscape architect, presented two proposed designs for the future Euclid Beach Arch Park.