Laila Edwards Day Set for June 14 in Cleveland Heights

Cuyahoga County will honor laila edwards this weekend with the Dream Big parade in Cleveland Heights, then declare June 14 as Laila Edwards Day. The county will also present her with the Key to the County, turning the celebration into a formal civic tribute for the Olympic gold medalist.

Cleveland Heights Parade Route

Edwards will serve as Grand Marshal for the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. at Washington Boulevard and Cottage Grove Avenue. It will finish with a community celebration at Coventry PEACE Park, giving the hometown crowd a public ending point for the tribute.

Ronayne And Houser Honor Edwards

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said the county will present Edwards with the Key to the County and proclaim June 14 as Laila Edwards Day. County Councilman Michael Houser of District 10 will join the parade and present the key as part of the county’s recognition.

Ronayne said, “Laila Edwards has captured the hearts of our community with her talent, determination, and groundbreaking achievements.” He also said, “She has shown young people throughout Cuyahoga County that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. We are proud to celebrate her accomplishments, present her with the Key to the County, and proclaim Laila Edwards Day in her honor.”

Edwards' Olympic Gold Run

The county celebration follows a career that already put Edwards at the center of U.S. women’s hockey history. In college, she led the University of Wisconsin Badgers to three NCAA National Championships, then became the first Black player named to the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team and the first Black woman to compete for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Team USA won gold in Milan, and the county recognition now brings that achievement back to Cleveland Heights with a parade route, a public ceremony and an official day in her name. Michael J. Houser, Sr. said, “Laila represents the very best of Cleveland Heights and Cuyahoga County,” adding, “She has made history, inspired young athletes, and given our community so much to celebrate. This is a chance for all of us to come together and recognize a hometown hero whose achievements continue to make us proud.”