The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
City plans for event-filled weekend
ArtsFest, Roar Off the Shore Boat Display/block party and Oktoberfest anticipated to draw crowds
Downtown Willoughby is preparing for the 27th annual ArtsFest taking place July 21.
The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will feature street performers, over 140 juried artists, a kids studio and power boats, along with food and beverages. It is hosted by the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce and draws an estimated 15,000 visitors to the downtown area.
The streets will be closed during the ArtsFest to allow artists to showcase their work, which includes a variety of art from painting to stoneware to mixed media and more.
Musical entertainment will take place throughout the entire day at the gazebo in Wes Point Park.
In addition to the restaurants in the area, the event will feature speciality food trucks and vendors.
Each year the ArtsFest continues to evolve as a celebration of arts and culture adding artists and entertainment according to festival’s website, willoughbyartsfest.com.
This year, according to Mayor Robert Fiala, the ArtsFest will provide many signs of things to come as Downtown Willoughby works to change its brand to an arts and entertainment district.
Visitors to the event will notice subtle changes that have already taken place in the downtown area toward the new branding, such as new bike racks created by the Little White Barn, newly painted crosswalks and signs displayed in downtown merchants window’s indicating art happens in Downtown Willoughby.
In addition to the street artists and musicians,the world class powerboats participating in the Third Annual Roar Off the Shore Gran Prix at Headlands Beach will parade into the downtown area immediately following the ArtsFest. The boats will be on display as part of a block party from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
According to a news release,the boat display presented by Cleveland Construction and the City of Willoughby is a free, familyfriendly event.
In addition to the Roar off the Shore boat display and block party and ArtsFest, Oktoberfest will be going on. The annual event hosted by Immaculate Conception Church starts at 5 p.m. July 20, and runs through July 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature live entertainment, rides, food, gaming and an automobile raffle.
Admission is free to all of the weekend events.
“This weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy all that historic Downtown Willoughby has to offer,” Fiala said. “I have seen these powerboats up close in the past, and it is something like you have never seen before; this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience million dollar pieces of art that float.”