ART FESTIVAL FILLS DOWNTOWN STREETS

Creativity, culture showcased by over 100 artists at ArtsFest

The 2017 Willoughby ArtsFest was called a success. The streets of downtown Willoughby were filled with thousands of guests on July 15.

“This is the biggest crowd ever,” said Scott Mills, event co-chair. “The weather is beautiful, there is a good variety of artists, performers and food.”

Hosted by the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, the ArtsFest featured over 100 artists, musical performances, children’s activities and food vendors.

Co-chair Chad Gourley said the event gets bigger and bigger every year.

WWLCC President Karen Tercek agreed, adding that this year’s event offered a new wine tasting tent that featured three vineyards, including Ferrante, M Cellars

“The weather is beautiful, there is a good variety of artists, performers and food.” — Scott Mills, event co-chair

and Valley Vineyards.

Tercek said she saw wine tasting at similar events and thought it would be a nice addition.

There was also a Chinese auction that 82 artists donated artwork to. A portion of the proceeds will go toward Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce scholarships.

“I just love this event,” Gourley said. “It’s a great event for the community.”

Events such as Willoughby ArtsFest even have a positive impact on surrounding communities and businesses, Tercek said.

It was certainly a great opportunity for Kathy Zagar to promote her new business, Kathy’s Creative Sewing Center that is coming to 38075 Euclid Ave. in August.

Zagar said she will offer a variety of sewing and crafting classes to children and adults.

For more information about the new craft center visit, kathyscreativesewing.com.

This is the first time Russell Township resident Betsy Rader visited Willoughby Artsfest and was very pleased.

Rader, who is seeking the 14th Congressional District seat, said she bought a set of hand-made wooden coasters for her son who lives in Seattle.

“We’ve visited Willoughby for other events,” she said. “I really like coming here.”

In addition to wooden products, artisans showcased mixed media, glass, photography, paintings and jewelry.

Major sponsors included Lake Health and Lake County Visitors Bureau.

CARRIE GARLAND — THE NEWS-HERALD Lori Kavanaugh Lewarski creates a design using chalk at the 2017 Willoughby ArtsFest on July 15.

CARRIE GARLAND — THE NEWS-HERALD Eric Sconyers, known as The Sax Slayer, entertained audiences at the 2017 Willoughby ArtsFest on July 15.