The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
BETTER THAN NEVER
Willoughby ArtsFest pushed back six weeks, jumps off Aug. 29
“Putting together an event of this scale is a yearround task, and moving the date is a huge undertaking.” — Bill Rigo, co-chair
Unlike a lot of popular Lake County summer events, a few staple celebrations on the western end of the region are getting a second chance to shine.
In the case of the 2020 Willoughby ArtsFest, another doesn’t bite the dust.
Originally slated to take place July 18, the annual fête, now in its 29th year and continuing to showcase artists of all kinds, has been pushed back six weeks, to Aug. 29.
The action, of course, comes in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, which is responsible for the postponement, if not outright cancellation, of dozens of area programs, festivals, performances and social gatherings, in addition to schools and businesses.
When it became evident to the festival’s steering committee in March that the COVID-19 outbreak was going to impact the originally scheduled date, Karen Tercek, president and CEO of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the show, worked with Willoughby City Hall and Mayor Bob Fiala to secure a back-up date.
“With many happenings looking to move later into the summer/fall, we needed to be sure not to encroach on any other event,” said this year’s co-Chair Bill Rigo. “Putting together an event of this scale is a yearround task, and moving the date is a huge undertaking, including coordinating the 130-plus artists that come to Lake County from all over the country.”
Additional tasks, Rigo said, include shifting the schedules of the many food vendors, food trucks and musical acts, and communicating the change to sponsors/exhibitors.
“The chamber staff, specifically Donna Swan and Tyler Wetzel, and the steering committee have all pitched in to facilitate the change,” Rigo added. “There are a lot of moving parts, and it’s been a great team effort.”
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition, the 2020 ArtsFest will feature:
• “Makers Market” exhibitors who will show and sell their crafts while not competing with the juried artists
• A Kid’s Studio with face painting, crafts and fun with help from The Fine Arts Association and Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library
• The Cleveland Museum of Art’s mobile art studio, “Studio Go,” with hands-on art experiences for all ages.
While canceling ArtsFest was considered, Rigo noted it was always a nuclear option, adding the health and safety of the community remains the No. 1 priority.
“Willoughby ArtsFest is one of our area’s premier summer attractions,” he said. “We know how much it means to our community — for those who attend and for those who exhibit. The positive economic impact the show brings to the region is also important. As long as we can keep everyone safe, we think our followers would agree that ‘the show must go on.’”
In accordance with social distancing and safety protocols, officials are strongly recommending festgoers wear masks and bring their own hand sanitizer, if able.
“Everyone wants to get back to normal, but we all have to be working together as one to eliminate the coronavirus,” Rigo said. “We hope that the Willoughby ArtsFest can act as part of the healing that needs to happen and help get people back out, enjoying life and feeling back to normal.
“We can always use help on the day of the show, so please consider volunteering for a few hours.”
Those interested in volunteering can call 440-9421632 or download an application at www.wwlcchamber.com.
For the most up-to-date information, visit www. willoughbyartsfest.com and the fest’s Facebook event page.