Mayor's Report

As summer winds down and we prepare to welcome a new school year, I’m pleased to share some exciting events happening in Willoughby as we close out the season with a bang!

On Friday, August 2, the Downtown Willoughby Bar and Restaurant Association will host an all-new event: NashWill — a live music festival celebrating Nashville vibes in the heart of DTW. Participating bars and restaurants will feature live music throughout the day. Outdoors, you can enjoy line dancing on 2nd Street and even try your luck on a mechanical bull in Wes Point Park. Please note, this is a 21-and-over event. For more details and the full performance schedule, visit www.dtwilloughby.com/nashwill-2025.

On Tuesday, August 5, we’ll take part in the annual National Night Out — a community-building event celebrated across the country to promote partnerships between police and residents. Led by the Willoughby Police Department, the event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Osborne Park Pool. Join us for an evening of free swimming, interactive games, and the chance to meet members of the department. It’s a fun and meaningful way to connect with neighbors and celebrate our community.

Our summer concert series has been a tremendous success, bringing together residents of all ages to enjoy live music at the lake and downtown. As we approach the final weeks of summer, I encourage everyone to join us for the last few concerts of the season.

Another must-attend event this month is Last Stop Willoughby, hosted by the Heart of Willoughby on Saturday, August 9. This family-friendly celebration has become a cherished tradition, honoring our city’s rich history and vibrant community spirit. The day will feature a parade, live entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities, and more. A standout part of the event is Chalkfest, hosted by the Willoughby Arts Collaborative, where talented artists transform downtown buildings and sidewalks into colorful works of art with chalk.

We’re proud to share that both the Willoughby Fire Department and the Willoughby Police Department were recently honored with generous donations from local organizations. The Willoughby VFW contributed $15,000 and the Willoughby Eagles donated $25,000 to the Police Department to support the purchase of furniture and equipment for the new Willoughby Police Station. The Willoughby Eagles also donated $25,000 to the Fire Department to help purchase new AEDs. In addition, the VFW made a separate donation to the Fire Department, which allowed for the purchase of a Scott RIT Pak—specialized equipment used to rescue a downed firefighter who has run out of air or is experiencing issues with their breathing apparatus. We are grateful for the continued support of these community partners and their investment in the safety and well-being of our first responders.

And finally, we are excited to announce the opening of a new dining destination in Willoughby — Coppia Restaurant, located inside the newly constructed hangar at the Lake County Executive Airport. Coppia offers a unique atmosphere and a carefully curated menu, bringing elevated cuisine to a one-of-a-kind setting. Chefs Hedy and Talia Trovato, who have been featured on The Food Network, bring their talent and creativity to this exciting venture.