CityFest to feature world record attempt

The fifth annual Mentor CityFest could be one for the record books. Literally. The two-day festival — Aug. 25 and 26 at 8600 Munson Road — has plenty of music, food and games in store, not the least of which is a Guinness World Record attempt.

The goal is the most popsicles consumed in 60 seconds.

Free popsicles will be passed out to the first 5,000 people on site at 12:45 p.m. on Aug. 26, with the contest commencing at 1 p.m. at the amphitheater behind city hall.

“No one has tried to set this record, so we’ll be the first to attempt it,” said Mentor Recreation Superintendent Jill Korsok. “It’s a Guinness World Records-anctioned event, and we have very specific rules and requirements we have to follow to qualify. We’re hoping that after the parade, people will come to the festival grounds, get a popsicle and help us get there.”

There also will be new interactive games for kids and adults, and sports trivia with a new “strolling” Fest Money game, and a giant obstacle run.

And the bands will have a new state-of-the-art facility in which to perform, thanks to the addition of the amphitheater.

“We’re taking full advantage of the new amphitheater sound, lighting and video, so all the bands and entertainers on the stage will really be a focal point,” Korsok said. “We’ve got Armstrong Bearcat Band Friday night, and country breakout star John King Saturday evening followed by the laser and music show of Dark Side of the Moon.” Some CityFest favorites will return, such as the parade down Center Street at 10 a.m. and the Color Dash & Walk at 6 p.m. — both on Aug. 26 — inflatables, a zip line, CityFest Express, ice painting at Mentor Civic Arena, Bubble Derby and fireworks to cap off the weekend celebration, at 10: 30 p.m.

Other attractions and activities include foods from more than 20 vendors, wine and beer tasting from local brewers and vintners and a Zamboni pull at 3 p.m. on Munson Road.

“For that event, teams of five compete to see how quickly they can pull our Zamboni 25 feet to cross the finish line,” Korsok said.

In addition, a community art project led by local artist Mandy Spisak will allow festival guests to help create a giant guitar out of recycled materials.

“We hope to have that on display next summer during Mentor Rocks,” Korsok said.

“We’re always looking for new attractions, different types of entertainment and things to engage our festival guests, and it can definitely be a challenge,” she said. “We don’t like to repeat what we’ve done in the past too many times, because that gets boring. … It’s a fun challenge for our event staff.”

Average attendance during the weekend is estimated at 20,000.

“It seems to be a nice way for people to get together, enjoy the festival atmosphere, have some great food, and enjoy entertainment, activities and connect with their community,” she said.

For more information, visit mentorcityfest.com.