FireFish Festival shows what cooperation can do

Despite some continuing rain and a very sodden skin, the FireFish was cast ablaze on the Black River beneath the full moon, one of the many dramatic moments at last weekend’s FireFish Festival. Witnessed by approximately 1,000 stalwart souls on the riverside, whose experience was enlivened by drums, dancers, fire artists, the Fish - as promised – was lit after several attempts. But the story behind the burning fish offers a deeper glimpse of what we envision as the comeback of Lorain.

The Fish itself was designed and built by the FireFish STEAM youth academy during the summer, comprised of inner city teens from Lorain and Elyria, under the direction of Dan McNamara and Monica Idom. STEAM and youth from PACE (directed by Michael Ferrer who also provided tireless support to prepare the FireFish venues) paraded the Fish through the Festival.

The barge carrying the fish was guided into the water by Grumpy near his bait shop and escorted to the Landing by Ken King with his King Fishery Trawler. The accelerant was provided by pyro wizard Schuyler White (from Ohio Burn Unit) and ignited by intrepid members of the Loco ‘Yaks. The US Coast Guard and Lorain Fire Department played key parts as did the Lorain Port Authority.

The Burning was not as dramatic as advertised or envisioned – we were waiting for the fireworks. But, given the wet conditions the ignition itself was borderline miraculous. But most heartening was the cohesive commitment of business, inspired individuals and government – not just with the fish burning – but with the realization of the festival itself, which hopefully portends great cooperation in the future. May the Lorain Renaissance continue! James Levin FireFish director