Fire Fish, Block Party join forces

Result is artsy fun on Broadway

The Fire Fish Festival collaborated with Broadway’s Block Party to generate interest in art on Sept. 3 in downtown Lorain.

“We’ve been out here for every block party but today’s a little more special,” said Fire Fish Program and Marketing Director Candice Pettigrew. “Today the event is actually a part of the Fire Fish Festival.”

The Fire it Up! Broadway Block Party Art Walk took place Sept. 3 during Main Street Lorain First Friday Block Party.

It was the final Main Street Block Party for the summer season.

The annual Fire Fish Festival kicked off this past Sunday with the Twin Flames cabaret concert at “The Bank”, also on Broadway.

In addition to the chalk art, North Pointe Ballet held a street performance from 4-6 p.m.

The Ohio Burn Unit fire performers closed out the celebration.

Throughout the month, Fire Fish will host an event each weekend to spotlight artists and creative outlets.

Pettigrew says she’s happy to see Fire Fish bring creative culture back into Lorain.

“The energy downtown is so exciting,” she said. “It’s amazing to see all the businesses filled with people and be a part of something that is bigger than myself.”

North Pointe Ballet is holding ‘A Ballet in the Park’ free performance at Lakeview Park at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9.

Ballet dancer Leanna Mullen says she loves being able to bring the arts to the community.

“I really enjoy these performances because I can feel the energy of the audience,” she said. “It’s just a great way to connect and spread joy.”

Other vendors such as artist Camara Rodriguez also participated in the art activities during the block party.

Rodriguez provided a community mural for eventgoers to contribute to in order to spark creative interest.

“Art gives me an outlet to put my emotions onto a canvas,” she said. “I’m just in awe of how many people love to watch and paint themselves.

“I like the community getting involved, that’s why I do it.”

When the mural is finished, Rodriguez says she will post it on her website and Instagram.

On Sept. 10, Fire Fish Festival will hold a free Comedy Night in the Speak of the Devil alley on 5th street in Lorain.

Throughout the month, Fire Fish will host an event each weekend to spotlight artists and creative outlets.

PHOTOS BY ALIAH KIMBRO — THE MORNING JOURNAL North Pointe Ballet dancer Leanna Mullen performs as Cinderella in preparation of free Lakeview Park show on Sept. 9.

One Fire Fish Festival activity available to the public was chalk art on Broadway Ave.

North Pointe Ballet dancer Laura Hankey performs on Broadway Ave during Block Party.

Youngsters participate in a community mural.