Willard festival adds new art showcase

WILLARD — Organizers of an upcoming free festival in Willard are looking for artists, art and craft vendors, tournament teams and sponsors Rock Around the Clock prepares to return to the downtown area from Aug. 7-8. The free festival will run from 4-10 p.m. both days and will feature live music, food trucks, markets, tournaments and other fun activities. A new attraction this year is Art Off the Avenue, an initiative organized by Morgan May, administrative assistant for the city of Willard and a member of the Rock Around the Clock committee. May said the idea was inspired by her husband's artistic family and visits to museums and art festivals in Michigan and Columbus. "I wanted to bring some of that excitement and an art element to Willard," May said. "I would love to highlight the artists in our community, in our country, and just really give them something to be excited about as well." May worked with Willard Schools art teacher Kevin Casto to develop Art Off the Avenue, which will include sidewalk painting and photography competitions on Aug. 7. Participants must be 16 or older. The sidewalk and live painting competitions each have a $15 registration fee, while the photography competition is free. This year's photography subject is the city's red, white and blue water tower. Organizers are also looking for artists to participate in an art market and craft vendors for the Pearl Street Market. Both markets will be open from 4-10 p.m. on Aug 7-8. May said the festival is seeking participants from beyond Willard and hopes to draw artists and visitors from surrounding communities. "We know the event has the potential to become something special for our community and neighboring communities," May said. "Help us build something everyone can look forward to year after year. Your participation is what will make this event a success, and we need your participation to make this vision a reality." Friday's activities also include cornhole and pickleball tournaments, and organizers are seeking teams for both. Proceeds from the tournaments will help fund a future veterans' memorial. Live music Friday includes Paul Bogner from 5-6:30 p.m. and Cleveland Keys Pianos from 7-10 p.m. Saturday will begin with a 5K race at 9 a.m. at Willard Reservoir in partnership with the Huron County Community Library, followed by a foam party at 11 a.m. The downtown festival resumes at 4 p.m. with vendors, food trucks and music. The Willard Business Association will host a car, truck and motorcycle show beginning at 4 p.m. Ride the Wind, a Poison tribute band, will perform from 6-7:30 p.m., followed by A Foreigner's Journey to Boston from 8-10 p.m. Organizers are also seeking sponsors for the festival. Those interested in sponsoring the event or becoming a vendor may email info@willardohio.gov or mbradberry@willardohio.gov or call 419-933-2591. More information and registration forms are available at willardohio.gov and on the city's Facebook page.