CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Ohio City kicked off its first-ever Opening Day celebration Friday with live music, food, drinks and a parade to Progressive Field led by Slider.

The parade started at Market Square Park, crossed Hope Memorial Bridge and ended at Progressive Field for the sold-out Guardians home opener.

The bridge stayed open as fans walked on the sidewalk, with security hired along the route to keep things moving safely.

“We came to Ohio City to see what it was about and we really like the vibe,” one fan said.

“This is definitely exceeding our expectations, they’ve got a good thing going, so we’re excited to come back next year,” another fan said.

For lifelong Guardians fan Andrew Gruden, a drive from Florida wasn’t going to keep him away.

“Came over to Cleveland yesterday for the opening series, I come to these games every year, it’s my favorite time of year,” Gruden said.

“This year there is something new to do and earlier,” Gruden said. “We’re all going to walk across the bridge to start the season the right way. So excited that this is how it’s happening this year.”

“It’s a Friday, the weather is great, there is nothing better than the energy we are bringing in Cleveland right now,” one fan said.

“It’s a holiday for us Clevelanders, it’s the best day of year,” another fan said

Event organizers told 19 News the opening day celebrations is just one of many events to be held in Market Square Park this year.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A large pothole has damaged multiple vehicle on I-90 east during the Thursday morning commute.

This happened near Warren Road on the Cleveland/Lakewood border.

Police said at least 12 vehicles suffered damage and at least three were undriveable. There are no reports of injuries.

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews were called to the scene to make repairs.

This caused a major back-up for drivers coming from the west side.

At 7:15 a.m., the drive-time from Westlake to Cleveland was a total of 45 minutes. Normally, that drive takes about 10 minutes

19 News went to Rad Air who took several calls from drivers needing repair help after hitting the pot hole.

Manager Paul Arlesic says pot holes can cause a lot of damage.

“Just a tire, you could be anywhere from 190 dollars. If it’s up to suspension repair and wheel repair you could be looking into the thousands,” said Arlesic.

He wants to remind drivers to get regular maintenance on their vehicles. Arlesic says even if you don’t see immediate damage hitting a pot hole causes a wear and tear.

“Every crack in the road, that tires going up and down, the struts working up and down. All the suspension is constantly moving,” said Arlesic.

ODOT was able to fill in the pot hole on I-90 Thursday morning.

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