Main Street Kent presented its annual Art & Wine Festival Saturday throughout downtown Kent.
Held for 16 years with a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the event features music, artists and downtown businesses.
“Our mission is to make downtown Kent a fun, vibrant and thriving place, and this event sure fits that bill,” said Heather Malarcik, Main Street Kent executive director and event chairperson. “It has a positive impact in so many ways.”
This year, 13 Ohio wineries, 8 live performances and over 50 artists were showcased.
Attendees crowded the streets of Downtown Kent, visiting vendor booths, getting food from food trucks and listening to live music.
Lee Morgan, who lives outside of the community, attended the event for his second year with his wife. He said he enjoys the welcoming community at the festival.
“You can just walk around and enjoy yourself, and not feel pressure of typical society,” Morgan said.
Attendee Lisa Kropp grew up in Kent, and even though she does not live in the community anymore, she has been attending the festival for the past three years.
“I love coming back to Kent because that’s where I came from,” Kropp said.
Each year, the event gets a bit bigger, Malarcik said. During the five-month preparation process for the festival, she and her colleagues worked to offer new music options and feature new artists.
Gabbi Turner, owner of The Handmade Honey Bun, a crocheting business, brought her products to the festival for the first time this year.
Turner said there was an outpouring of support, and she enjoyed being able to see people enjoy her art, which made her very happy.
Similarly, Mary Clark, owner of Tiny Cloud Ceramics, a pottery business, said she depends on events like these to sell her art.
“Doing pottery has been a really enriching part of my life,” Clark said. “It’s really nice that there are local events I can attend to further that endeavor.”
Malarcik said that Main Street Kent is proud of the work they do to support downtown Kent and the community.
“People love this event and it’s so rewarding to see smiling faces everywhere,” Malarcik said. “It’s a great day for everyone, including our volunteers, artists, downtown businesses, community members — the whole city!”
Lauren Cohen is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
