Dog Days, a 25-year tradition in East Palestine, perfectly demonstrates values our residents hold dear: care for your neighbor and community spirit. It’s a day when flowers are planted, windows are washed, trash is picked up, painting is done, stonework is laid, buildings are cleaned, and pride in our village is kept alive.
Sponsored by the East Palestine Board of Education in partnership with the Village of East Palestine, the annual event was founded by resident Joann Knight. Now, decades later, her vision continues. This year more than 125 village residents participated, spanning the generations – from elementary school-aged children to senior citizens.
On Dog Day, teams of volunteers complete projects throughout the village. This year, 10 specific beautification projects were completed with busy townsfolk cleaning and organizing, as well as landscaping and planting flowers at all the schools as well as the park, Community Center, the Log Cabin, the Veterans’ Memorial and more.
“This year’s Dog Day was the true essence of East Palestine coming together as a community,” said Dr. Jessica Rocco. “Our sponsors and volunteers are truly the reason for our success.”
A special thank you to Dog Day sponsors: CSI, TreeWorx, Brittain Motors, Chevrolet All Stars, Home Depot-Salem, Fuller’s True Value, Glass & Greens, Park Board, East Palestine Rotary Club and Sparografix. The committee chairs included Marty Grim, Patty Sugar, Janice Cartwright, Bonnie Sansenbaugher, Jeremy Vranesevich, Chad Edwards, Michael Demster, Brian Moore and Jessica Rocco.