The FEST returns to Wickliffe for its 23rd year

Aug. 6—The Center for Pastoral Leadership's The FEST kicked off on Aug. 6. Upwards of 30,000 people have shown up to the religious music festival being held in Wickliffe in the past to see popular Christan music artists. This year Katy Nichole, Big Daddy Weave, Jeremy Camp and Chris Tomlin were going to be on stage throughout the day.

According to the Center for Pastoral Leadership, the FEST was inspired by the Gospel of the Feast of Transfiguration, and they hope that The FEST is a time to come together to open hearts, gain a new perspective and renew their spirits.

Carley and Seth Downey, a couple in their early 20s, were slowly moving through a seemingly endless line patiently waiting for a frozen treat.

"Our church sent out an invite," said Carley Downey. "This is our first time. We came out from Geneva to come see this. We are looking forward to the music and the food. We are hoping the rain holds out, kinda wishing we brought a tent."

"We want to gather with fellow like-minded people and listen to good music," said Seth Downey, "We haven't seen Chris Tomlin before. It's going good so far, waiting to get some of this free Kona ice."

Other attractions included a military recruiting booth, photo tents, and giveaways from local sponsors. Reba Edwards of Painesville was waiting for the Marc's grocery store giveaway. She came down with her family to check out Jeremy Camp, one of the headliners of the FEST.

"We've been going for quite a few years, probably about 10-12 years," said Edwards. "It's a good family time. I haven't seen the musical acts before but I'm looking forward to them. I really like Jeremy Camp. I really like the Marc's giveaway that they give. I've gotten some great stuff; I've actually won one of their baskets before."

"I usually work every Sunday," Edwards said. "But I took this day off all the way back in March."

Volunteer Ellen Lasalvia was staffing the Hispanic Village tent. She made her way from Brunswick, where she got to know Father Bob Stec, the main organizer for the past 23 years of the FEST. Edwards found Stec's passion for the FEST inspiring which led her and her family to start helping with the church.

"It's actually my first year," said Lasalvia. "It's actually myself, my husband and my two kids. My husband and my daughter are out getting lunch and my son is at the tent next to me. And it's our first-time volunteering here. It's going good, lots of friendly people and good music. We go to Saint Ambrose Parish over there in Brunswick, Ohio. We spent three years volunteering at the summer festival at Saint Ambrose and now we've made the move to the bigger festival."

"Myself I wasn't that familiar with them," said Lasalvia. "But my kids have heard of Bid Daddy Weave, and we are going to volunteer till 2 p.m. and then go see them."

A closing Mass and fireworks will end The FEST on its 23rd year.