SOLON — After over 50 years of tradition, the beloved Beef Days returns to downtown Solon on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, bringing fun for all.
Starting in 1971 as a smaller festival, Solon Beef Days continues to grow and attract a large number of people year in and year out. This year, the community-driven affair looks to take the cake of festivals again with food, live music, and more exciting activities, new and old.
“I love how the Solon community pulls together to make Beef Days such an amazing festival year after year,” said Denise Bruck, co-president of the Beef Days committee.
The festival lineup for Friday the 18th will include live performances from bands Sugar & Spice (5:00 p.m.) and Slap ‘N Tickle (9:00 p.m.), bingo on main street (6-10:00 p.m.), the kids tractor pull (registration at 5:00 p.m., pulling starts at 6:00 p.m.), and the Hay Bale Toss (registration at 6:00 p.m., throwing starts at 7:00 p.m.).
On Saturday, the fun continues with the 7:30 a.m. Beef Days run (pre-registration online), the parade at 10:00 a.m., a bags tournament, horseshoe tournament, archery tournament, Kid’s Corner big wheel race, and more live performances from artists like Spirit Awake, Molly Shannon, Frank Martin Busch and the Names, and Tyler Richton & the High Bank Boys.
“Our events have always been very popular, from the parade to the hay bale toss, people love them,” said Bruck
It is clear to see that Solon Beef Days is rich in tradition with their well-known and cherished events, but arguably the biggest change to this year’s lineup is the retiring of the esteemed steak dinner meal and shift to steak sandwiches instead.
This change comes as a surprise to many, but a necessary move to some as beef prices continue to rise.
“We have gotten some feedback from the public, most of it being understanding and positive, but there have been a few people that are disappointed and reached out to us, so we will reevaluate that decision after this year’s Beef Days,” said Bruck. “We just wanted to give some more affordable options to people when they come to Beef Days.”
Beef Days, as large of a festival as it is, works to bring as much joy as possible to those who attend, but it also exists to help the community as a whole. For the last three years, Beef Days has given away $50,000 each year and, since its birth, has raised approximately $850,000.
“It is a non-profit, so all the profits [from Beef Days] go back to the community,” said Bruck. “We help support several local groups around Solon including the Legion, the school, the library and we even support the city.”
If you’re looking for summer festivities that can capture your attention, consider attending Solon’s Beef Days on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19. For more information, go to beefdays.com.