The final countdown is on for The FEST 2023, which takes place noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 6 on the grounds of the Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe. The parking lots and gates will open at 10 a.m. and the day’s activities begin at noon. As always, admission is free.
“Arise” is the theme for this year’s event, derived from the Gospel for the feast of the Transfiguration.
“Imagine standing on top of a high, beautiful mountain. You look out and see the grandeur of God,” said Father Bob Stec, pastor of St. Ambrose Parish in Brunswick and founder of The FEST. “On top of the mountain, your view and perspective change. Everything looks different.”
Father Stec said throughout the Scriptures, people climbed the mountain to meet or encounter God. “In those ‘mountain moments,’ their encounter with the Lord changed things and gave them wisdom, grace and perspective.”
He and the FEST team hope that will occur among those who attend this year’s FEST.
The FEST began in 2000 as a way to welcome home diocesan pilgrims who had attended World Youth Day in Rome. At the time, Father Stec was the diocesan vocations director. He said the first FEST attracted about 3,000 people. Recent FESTs have drawn more than 40,000 for a family-friendly day filled with music, community and faith.
This year’s FEST will offer many of the popular features from previous events. Activities include create your own bubbles, dancing, a new games tent, a BMX bike show presented by Dialed Action Sports at 1, 2:30, 4:15 and 6:15 p.m. , a petting zoo, photo scavenger hunt at the Girl Scout tent and opportunities to learn about youth organizations like scouting.
Children also can participate in crafts, sign cards for the military, make a spoon prayer, enjoy creations from balloon twisters, face painting and more.
There will be numerous opportunities for prayer, including the rosary, family blessings, prayer for children, adoration and reconciliation. Highlight of the day will be the outdoor closing Mass offered at about 8 p.m. by Bishop Edward Malesic, followed by a fireworks show.
Live entertainment will be offered throughout the day, with several top Christian artists performing on the main stage. Katy Nicole will be featured at 12:30 p.m., followed by Big Daddy Weave at 2, Jeremy Camp at 4 and Chris Tomlin at 6 p.m.
Returning will be the Marc’s Moms’ Station with chances to win prizes. The Man Cave also will be back with games, speakers and prizes.
Teens can enjoy Extreme water tag, the Adventure Zone with Gaga Ball Pits, 9 Square, corn hole, water toss, ladder golf and Kanjam.
The Education Village will showcase Catholic education and provide information on employment opportunities.
Plenty of parking is available with free shuttles running from parking lots to the CPL. Free handicap parking is available at AutoNation Ford East, 28825 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, with handicap-accessible shuttles running to The FEST grounds. Courtesy carts will be available to assist at the CPL. Other nearby parking locations with shuttle service are ABB, 1400 Worden Road, Coulby Park, 28730 Ridge Road, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 29840 Euclid Ave. These lots each are about a five-minute shuttle ride from The FEST. For more information about parking, call The FEST office, 216-202-3040.
Food will be available for purchase or families can bring their own refreshments.
FEST attendees can bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, coolers, hand-held umbrellas, small shade tents (less than four feet high) and service animals. Alcohol, glass bottles, canopies/tents larger than four feet high and pets are not permitted on The FEST grounds.
Among the sponsors of The FEST 2023 are Marc’s. Sherwood Food Distributors, Dole, P&G, Kimberly-Clark, Barons Bus and the Diocese of Cleveland.
For more information, including inquiries about volunteering at The FEST, click here.