What's behind your local shopping mall? Extra parking lots? A multiplex theater? The auto parts store? Behind the Eastwood Mall in Niles, there's a ballpark: Cafaro Field, home of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Get to know the ground rules, then head on out for this weekend's home-opening series:
History: The ushers all wear red hard hats in honor of the region's steelworkers. Since all the ushers are over 60, they probably all were steelworkers.
Food: Standard ballpark fare; the most adventurous item is chicken fingers. The ice-cream stand offers a choice of soft-serve or Katie's Korner ice cream, in flavors like "Muddy Sneakers." But they don't have chocolate. Go figure.
Games: This Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. vs. the Auburn Doubledays; Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m. vs. the Batavia Muckdogs. $6 to $8.
Address: Cafaro Field, 111 Eastwood Mall Boulevard, Niles; call 330-505-0000. -- Mark T. Fatla
Fun With Fish
The Summer Celebration floats your boat.
SAT 6/21
Fishing, boating, and other outdoor family fun highlight the third annual Summer Celebration, taking place at Munroe Falls Metro Park. Paddleboats are available for lake rides, and kids are invited to take part in a fish fest, treasure hunt, and sand-castle building. There's also an inflatable play area for the little ones and a concert by reggae singer B.E. Mann for grown-ups. Summer Celebration starts at noon on Saturday at Munroe Falls Metro Park, off South River Road in Munroe Falls. Admission is free; call 330-867-5511 for more information. -- Cris Glaser
Free Fallin'
6/20 - 6/29
When you're 14,000 feet above the countryside, preparing for your first tandem skydive, the professional jumper next to you is your new best friend. Soon you're hurtling toward the earth at 120 mph; then the chute opens, and you settle in for a peaceful three-minute glide. You, too, can go tandem at the Cleveland Parachute Center's Goodtime Boogie Skydiving Circus. For 10 days, starting Friday, Goodtime Boogie hosts 300 skydivers jumping tandem, going solo, or doing formations. In addition to skydiving, there are hot-air balloon and helicopter rides, a virtual-reality skydiving simulator, and plenty of good, safe spectating. Food is available, and at night they break out the live music and cold beer. It takes place from 7 a.m. to midnight daily through June 29 at the Cleveland Parachute Center (15199 Grove Road in Garrettsville). Admission is $10, and most jumps cost $119 to $159; for more information, call 800-852-5867. -- Keith Gribbins
