By ALLISON WOOD Staff Writer

MEDINA — While many spend today relaxing or going to picnics, for elected officials, it means traveling across the county to march in parades.

Throughout the day, there are four parades in the county: Spencer at 10 a.m., Valley City at 11 a.m., Chippewa Lake at 1 p.m. and Medina at 6 p.m.

This year, they must decide whether to go to Spencer or Valley City since it would be nearly impossible to make both, said Common Pleas Judge James L. Kimbler, who has marched in parades for more than 20 years.

Along with getting to the parades, he said he must make sure he has enough candy to give away on each of the routes.

Kimbler said he purchases about 70 large bags of candy, which usually contain between 40,000 and 50,000 pieces altogether. He usually chooses to use Tootsie Rolls and taffy and buys them in bulk at places such as Sam’s Club.

“The last candy purchase I made was $167,” he said. “I may have to make another.”

This year, Kimbler is running unopposed, but said he participates every year because it is fun and is something he can do with his family.

County Commissioner Pat Geissman, another parade veteran, said she tries to get to as many parades as possible, even when she is not up for election as she is this year.

“People want to see their elected officials and see what they look like,” the incumbent Republican said. “We have an obligation to participate in all the parades we can.”

While others prefer to walk the parade routes, she likes to sit on the back of her Corvette, which is driven by her husband Lee.

“I sit on the back so they know who I am,” she said. “You really need to let yourself be singled out.”

Geissman said she used to hand out candy, but stopped after seeing children running out in the street for it and noticing how much candy was left on the streets after the parades.

She is running for her fifth term as commissioner this year against Democratic challenger Brian Feron.

Instead of handing out candy, Feron said he and volunteers will hand out golf tees, dog biscuits and stickers on the parade routes.

The bags with the dog biscuits have a picture of Feron’s dog Rusty, a golden retriever, on the front.

“Rusty is a member of my campaign committee as well,” he said. “I’m not sure he’s ready for the campaign trail.”

County Commissioner Stephen D. Hambley said while he usually walks the parade routes, he bought a red Chevy Cavalier convertible to use in parades and drive in the summer.

While he likes having volunteers help hand out peppermints and butterscotch candies, this means he must spend more on candy.

“The more people you have distributing candy, the more you give away,” the incumbent Republican said.

Hambley is running for his fourth term as commissioner and faces Democrat John Sharkey in November.

County Prosecutor Dean Holman said he likes participating in parades because he gets to see old friends and co-workers he hasn’t seen in years.

He, along with volunteers, will give away about 50 large bags of Tootsie Rolls by the end of the day.

Holman, who has been in office since 1989, is being challenged by Republican Mario Russica in November.

While today may have the most parades, it is not the end of the road — Lodi’s Sweet Corn Festival parade is on July 17, and elected officials will also be at the Medina County Fair, which starts July 28.

Wood may be reached at 330-721-4050 or allisonwood@ohio.net.