The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
QUEEN AND HER COURT
International Festival kicks off
Despite some less than cooperative weather, the 52nd annual Lorain International Festival and Bazaar kicked off at Black River Landing on June 22.
Mayor Chase Ritenauer said the International Festival is the start of Lorain and part of the city’s identity.
“When I look at the festival I look at what makes Lorain. This festival is who we are. We’re the International City, you can see it by the princesses and the court up here. You can see it by the flags in the background,” Ritenauer said.
“But I think particularly now, you look at all the craziness going on in the world. I think the world ought to look at the city of Lorain and see how it’s done. We’ve always been a welcoming community, we’ve always had our arms wide open. It’s what
“When I look at the festival I look at what makes Lorain. This festival is who we are . ... ”
— Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer
makes us, it’s the fabric that brings us together as a community. Let’s make sure we celebrate all that is great about the city of Lorain this weekend.”
Beginning with a march of the newly crowned Lorain International Queen and court along with all princesses and flag bearers representing the different nationalities that make up Lorain, the opening ceremonies harnessed Lorain’s grit.
Lorain Port Authority Executive Director Tom Brown encouraged the community to come out rain or shine.
“I know there’s not a lot of people here right now. I know the weather is not nice. But we’re Lorain. We’re not a bunch of sugar cubes and we’re not going to melt,” Brown said. “So call your friends, call everybody you know and your relatives and get them out this weekend.
“Because I will tell you, for the last week it was an army of people and volunteers and workers getting this whole place ready for you. So let’s not let that hard work and effort go to waste and get some people out here and enjoy the princesses, the food and the festivities.”
Brown said this year one-hour Jet Express boat cruises will be available during the festival on June 23, giving guests the opportunity to experience the Lorain harbor.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Boat cruises leave at 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“We’re lucky to have good partnerships. And like brothers and sisters there’s always little bumps in the road but overall we get the job done,” Browns said. “We couldn’t be happier to have the International Festival.”
The rest of the evening featured live music with tributes to Jimi Hendrix/ Stevie Ray Vaughan and Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band Rumours. The festival continues at noon June 23 with live entertainment beginning at 1 p.m. Daily admission is $3.