The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
FarmFest draws crowds to Farmpark
Lake Metroparks Farmpark hosted FarmFest: Ribs, Brew & Music in Kirtland on July 14.
“It’s our only major free event,” said Events Manager Andy McGovern. “A couple of years ago we had Farmpark’s 25th anniversary, which was a free event. The year after that, we had the Cleveland Foundation’s free event and it became really popular, so we created this event. It has grown in the sense of the footprint and the amount of people coming to the event.”
The Farmpark kickedoff the two-day event at 3 p.m. on July 13.
Last year, about 7,500 people attended, McGovern said.
Anticipating large crowds, additional food vendors were added.
J and J Catering Owner John Roberto contracted all the food vendors.
“We have three rib vendors,” Roberto said. “We’re serving ribs, then we have Stewart’s Smokin Backyard BBQ from Kirtland. Both of us are local.
“We also have Off the Bone BBQ from Pickerington, Ohio. We were extremely busy last year, so I brought Pete in from Off the Bone, because he’s very good at it and he does big events.”
The vendors offered ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket and several side dishes.
“It’s just an all around good family event with good old fashion barbecue,” Roberto said.
Additionally, Debonne Vineyards and Double Wing Brewery Co. served wine and beer.
Other vendors sold bakery items, local honey, clothing and crafts.
“It’s a fun, family event and it’s educational,” McGovern said. “There are a lot of kids that come here, who caught their first fish in our pond during this event.”
Dean Baber’s Ohio Disc Dogs also entertained audiences.
Baber has participated in Farmpark events for over 10 years.
For FarmFest, he held Skyhoundz Discdogathon, a popular competition.
Besides holding competitions, Baber said he spends a lot of time teaching kids how to throw discs to dogs and general safety tips for being around dogs.
While visitors participated in the different activities, music resonated through the park. Jeremy James, Pieces of Eight, Dan McCoy, Horsefeathers and BlueStone Union provided live music during FarmFest weekend.
On top of the event, visitors could enjoy all of the other day-to-day Farmpark activities, McGovern said.
He said first-timers are always surprised by all the interactive programs offered at the Farmpark, like milking cows.
Longtime volunteers Jim and Erika Corrigan were also pleased with this year’s FarmFest.
It is a great opportunity for people to check out the Farmpark, Erika said.
“The different vendors really offered a variety,” Jim added. “I think it is a great mix.”
McGovern hopes to add additional vendors and continue to expand the event.