Preparations continue for The FEST 2021, the daylong festival of faith, family and fun, scheduled for Aug. 8 at a new location: Brookside Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks, 3900 John Nagy Blvd., Cleveland. Gates open at 10 a.m. and entertainment begins at noon.
Father Bob Stec, FEST founder, said the 132-acre park is more centrally located and accessible from interstates 71, 480 and 77.
“Take Courage” is the theme for this year’s FEST, which will offer opportunities to be part of the event both in person and virtually. Because of the pandemic, last year’s FEST was a virtual event.
“We need 1,000 volunteers to bring The FEST to life,” Father Stec said. Volunteers are an integral part of the event, fulfilling dozens of roles throughout the day. “They get a free ticket and a coveted FEST T-shirt,” he added.
Click here for information on volunteering. People 10 and older can sign up as volunteers, but those ages 10-13 must volunteer with a parent or guardian.
In addition to the new location, Father Stec said FEST attendees must purchase a ticket for $10 this year. The first 5,000 people through the gates on FEST day will receive a complimentary meal – a sub sandwich, chips and a bottle of water – courtesy of Marc’s a longtime FEST sponsor and supporter.
“Our friends at Marc’s are so committed to our community and to the community spirit of The FEST that they will have over $20,000 in giveaways for people who join us and visit them at The FEST,” Father Stec said. Giveaways include grills, a washer/dryer, gift cards and more.
Another attraction this year is the Colgate Bus, which is back on the road again for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic started. Father Stec said The FEST is the largest community event the Colgate Bus visits.
In addition to local entertainment, four national bands will perform at The FEST 2021: Tauren Wells, Danny Gokey, for King & Country and We Are Messengers. The FEST raffle, the Man Cave, areas dedicated to prayer, the Kids’ Zone, sponsor tents, food, activities and more will be back again this year.
Highlight of the day will be the closing Mass, celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic at about 8 p.m. “There will be an exciting finale after Mass,” Father Stec said.
Barons Bus, another longtime FEST supporter, is providing a fleet of 20 shuttle buses to ensure that event attendees can move from off-site parking to the festival easily throughout the day.
Father Stec and Jake Bihari, a FEST core team member, said a parking video will be released next week to explain the easiest and best ways to park for the event. They said FEST organizers are working to make it easy for in-person event attendees.
However, those unable to come to The FEST still can enjoy the event, thanks to technology.
“We want everyone to join us in person and virtually,” Father Stec said.
