Sat 9/13

The sixth annual FreshFest at Rid All Farm made it clear that many people are remembering where Cleveland’s so-called “Forgotten Triangle.” Breaking ground in 2010, Rid All took acres of empty, abandoned land and turned it into a flourishing farm, packed with greenhouses, a composting facility, a playground, a park and more. Since 2019, it’s held FreshFest on the second Saturday in September to show off what it’s accomplished and to encourage health and wellness, especially within the often overlooked Black community.

This year’s FreshFest felt bigger than ever, with a larger main stage, more food, maker and business vendors, community organizations and wellness activities. Its geodesic dome, dubbed “The Pod,” was finally open for visitors, who could also walk through the greenhouses and smell the remnants of summer harvest. Someone there is awfully fond of lemon verbena!

As usual there was a full day of music on the big stage, with local artists leading up to the headliner—always a legacy hip hop act. This year it was MC Lyte, who delighted the crowd with her old-school rap.

View the PHOTOSTREAM here.