Sat 9/7 @ noon-9PM
Cleveland’s Kinsman neighborhood suffers from being what’s known as a “food desert,” which means residents in the area don’t have access to the fresh food needed for healthy living.
In an effort to enlighten residents, promote health and wellness, and showcase fresh, local food, the inaugural Fresh Fest Cleveland takes place Saturday 9/7 at Rid-All Farm and Otter Park.
“Fresh Fest Cleveland is part of a culmination of the work we’ve been doing with the Kresge Foundation along with other supporters,” says executive director Kim Foreman of sponsoring organization Environmental Health Watch. “We’re really looking to support our local vendors, entrepreneurs, artists and musicians.
“We want to bring people together to do art, make art, have fun, party and enjoy themselves with food, art, music and culture. There’s also a farmer’s market where we’re giving away some food. We’ll have food vendors, as well as have food tastings and demonstrations.”
While the idea behind Fresh Fest Cleveland is to be local and promote the Kinsman neighborhood, Foreman said organizers decided to bring national recording artist Biz “Just a Friend” Markie to do a DJ set.
Also performing will be Northeast Ohio favorites Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band, FreshProduce, The Katy, Red Rose Panic, DJ Red-I, Toobe Fresco and Candi Fresca.
Considering the lineup, is Fresh Fest Cleveland a music festival with a food focus or vice versa?
“I’m trying to make it both,” says Foreman. “I want to say it’s food, arts and culture. That’s kind of the way to think about it. And the way we’re doing it is trying to support our entrepreneurs and make sure our artists have a place to show their art.”
In addition to art installations, hands-on art activities and art vendors, there will be local food trucks, activities and workshops. Children can enjoy the kids’ zone while families are encouraged to take complementary Lolly the Trolley rides.
Fresh Fest Cleveland falls squarely into the Environmental Health Watch mission to support healthy homes and sustainable communities.
“We’d love to expand the brand in the future around Fresh Fest Cleveland,” says Foreman. “We definitely want to bring people together in this urban farm setting to then make sure we introduce people to healthy eating from folks in our community who are providing this fresh and healthy food.”
The festival is free and open to all.
Cleveland, OH 44104