The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Village Fest, music festival coming Aug. 28
Leaders have planned two community events to keep visitors and residents entertained all day long.
Fairport Harbor Village government and civic leaders have planned two community events on Aug. 28 that are intended to keep visitors and residents entertained all day long.
The fun kicks off at 11 a.m. with Village Fest. That celebration, which takes place in a section of the community’s downtown, continues until 5 p.m. Then at 5:30 p.m., a music festival begins at the Lighthouse Amphitheater.
Village Fest strives to attract people to Fairport Harbor’s downtown for entertainment, food and shopping.
The event, which was held for the first time two years ago, transpires on High Street, from Fourth to Second streets, as well as on Third Street.
The 2020 edition of Village Fest was canceled because health and safety risks posed by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Visitors who enjoyed attending the inaugural Village Fest will like what’s in store at this year’s event, village Administrator Amy Cossick said.
“Much like 2019, Village Fest will have familyfriendly activities, such as balloon artists, face painting and a stilt walker to entertain our guests,” Cossick said.
The event also will feature a DJ playing music and food trucks offering a variety of meals, snacks and beverages.
In addition, the village’s downtown stores all plan to have displays out on the streets; and the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse will be open to visitors.
From 1 to 3 p.m., the band Erie Waters will play music across the street from The Arlington Garden at 204 Third St. Erie Waters’
free-of-charge performance is sponsored by The Arlington Garden, which sells locally grown flowers and supplies for beachgoers.
A half-hour after Village Fest ends, more live music will be provided at no cost to spectators at the Live @ the Lighthouse Hometown Hoedown.
The event is the latest in a 2021 series of music festivals presented by the Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance.
The hoedown, spotlighting Americana-style folk, country and rock music, starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Lighthouse Amphitheater,
“Much like 2019, Village Fest will have familyfriendly activities, such as balloon artists, face painting and a stilt walker to entertain our guests.”
— Village Administrator Amy Cossick
located just north of the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse at 129 Second St.
The hill beside the historical attraction serves as a seating area for audience members, who are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Isaac Embers will be the hoedown’s opening act, followed by Diana Chittester at 6:15 p.m., according to a schedule provided by the alliance. Headlining the show are Nick Walker and Jutt Huffman, who start playing at 7:15.
“We call that a musical trifecta,” said Chris Pinta, co-chairman of the alliance, in a post on the group’s Facebook page.
While various sponsors have organized a summer concert series at the Lighthouse Amphitheater since 2014, this is the alliance’s first year of presenting the Live @ the Lighthouse Music Festival.
The Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the support and growth of the arts and culture community in the village.