The FEST 2026 draws thousands to ForeFront Field in Avon

Mother Nature provided a perfect day – sunny and warm – for The FEST 2026 on Aug. 15, as the event moved west to ForeFront Field in Avon.

“We are blessed in so many ways,” said Father Bob Stec, The FEST founder and pastor of St. Ambrose Parish in Brunswick. “Last year, after 25 years of The FEST, there was some thought about wrapping it up. But we heard a voice that said we needed to find a way to continue.”

So, after much prayer and discussion – and after a fortuitous phone call from the management of the Lake Erie Crushers baseball team – Father Stec said the decision was made to move forward at ForeFront Field.

With the exception of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when The FEST was livestreamed from St. Ambrose and the following year when it took place at Brookside Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks, the event has been at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. Moving to a smaller venue gave the planners a chance to try some new things while keeping the most popular features intact.

One advantage of the smaller venue was the ability to improve security. Also, Father Stec said this was the first time an admission fee was charged, but no one was turned away. Proceeds from the tickets and the raffle, along with donations and sponsorships, helped underwrite the event’s many – and substantial – expenses.

The FEST team spent months planning every detail of the event, which included popular faith features like the family blessing tent, adoration, opportunities to pray the rosary and go to confession. Guest could visit booths from various nonprofits, diocesan organizations, schools and vendors.

There also were crafts, activities, food and performances by leading Christian musicians throughout the day, as well as free snow cones, inflatables, games and prizes.

As always, the stage was the focal point with live music throughout the day, drawings for The FEST raffle prizes, the closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward Malesic and a closing fireworks show.

“The FEST made it from the east side to the west side,” said the bishop as he began the closing Mass at dusk. “Some said the east-siders wouldn’t come west – but here we are. And Jesus came with us.”

He said we hunger for peace, love, justice and for God, “So let us open our hearts to him. Don’t be afraid to let him in. It requires trust to let God into our hearts.”

Bishop Malesic said it was fitting that The FEST took place on the feast of the Assumption because Mary modeled trust. “She let God into her heart and she bore his Son. She’s the perfect evangelist … Jesus is our hope. When he asks you to do something, like care for the poor, feed the hungry, etc., do it. Practice being saints on earth.”

After a brief post-Mass adoration period, guests enjoyed a fireworks finale. As they left the ballpark, they received a beatitudes poster and book about the Eucharist from Catholic Answers.