The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Family-friendly fun fuels return of Fairport fête
'Unique' Village Fest back after 2020 cancellation
It was a hot one in the old town on Aug. 28.
But for a beach town, what weather could be more ideal?
Returning to downtown Fairport Harbor after being nixed last year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Village Fest delivered as advertised, with featured entertainment and activities, shopping and live music.
A bit of history, naturally, was also on display with the village’s Marine Museum and Lighthouse.
Though only in its second year, the street fair’s eclectic mix of attractions presents a “unique” vibe, noted Village Administrator Amy Cossick.
“Before our first Village Fest, discussions about having a street festival had been ongoing for many years between the village, civic leaders and business owners,” she said.
“In 2019, it was decided that with Fairport Harbor’s continued growth, it was a perfect time to host a street festival that would invite people to our charming downtown, so they can enjoy a fun afternoon.”
Complementing the festivities, about 11 additional vendors were stationed in the streets, including food trucks, face painters, balloon artists and civic groups.
Village Fest is Fairport’s second summer bash, following its traditional Red, White and Blue Festival held, of course, over Fourth of July weekend.
Cossick said the affair is always a team effort.
“The mayor, the administration, council, police and fire, and the service department all work together to make this a great event,” she added. “Village Fest really provides a great opportunity to feature all of our shops and restaurants in our downtown, which really supports the continued growth of our lakefront community.”
Part of that growth includes Junie Balloonie, a gift shop specializing in laser-engraved barware, beverage tumblers, cutting boards and jewelry that opened in June 2019.
Owner Amie Longstaff named the business after part of the title of her children’s book she wrote as a bedtime story for her daughter, a creative endeavor that served as a break from a former stressful job.
At the same time, she had been making hair flowers for her daughter, Taylor, to wear, eventually receiving requests from other mothers to make them for their daughters.
“I thought it might be a good idea to make a little extra money to publish my book by selling the hair flowers at craft fairs,” she said. “Soon after that, I had more orders than I could keep up with so I needed to find a faster way of making the flowers.
“I learned about lasers and what more they could do than just cut fabric so I decided to take a leap of faith and buy the machine, work more on my business, and eventually quit my dispatch job.”
As festgoers entered Junie, Longstaff graciously greeted them as they browsed.
“I’m happy to be able to have the festival again,” she said. “It brings a lot of visitors to Fairport Harbor to see all that we have to offer in our cute little beach town. Fairport is a very creative community and I think it’s the perfect fit for me.”