Strawberry Festival location draws mixed reviews

• Annual Newark Strawberry Festival began Friday on Locust Street, between Third and Fourth streets.
• The opening day started with power lines sparking, knocking out electricity to some food vendors.

NEWARK – Vendors had mixed reactions to the new location for the Newark Strawberry Festival, with some saying their business will suffer this year.

The 32nd annual Newark Strawberry Festival began Friday on Locust Street, between Third and Fourth streets.

It's the first time the festival will not be on the Courthouse Square, because of the installation of water and sewer lines as well as other road and streetscape improvements.

"We were able to accommodate 100 percent of the vendors and rides and amusements," City Special Events Coordinator Chuck Jackson said. "It's been a very challenging process. It's like starting a brand-new festival from scratch. Water, utilities, layout. It was a major task."

The opening day of the three-day event started with power lines sparking on Locust Street, knocking out electricity to some food vendors. Power was restored by about 30 minutes after opening.

Judy McMillian, of Galena, brought her A Precious Moment business here for the 18th year. She credited festival organizers for doing the best they could, but she expects business will dip.

"I've already seen a difference," McMillian said. "People usually walk around on their lunchtime break, and we didn't have that this year."

Loyel Hershberger, of Ashland, brought his Fragrances and Beyond for the eighth year. He said the Square is easier to navigate and more accessible.

"You get used to a Square spot every year, and people can find you," Hershberger said. "It takes a while for people to find you."

Newark resident Gay Dornbirer, of Bath Fitter, said: "I think it's fine. People like something different every now and then. We'll see how it goes."

Other vendor complaints included uneven land, difficult entry, parking for the public, no sidewalks and lack of shade.

One vendor said they won't have to worry about trees crashing down during a storm, like a few years ago.

Kathy Quinn, of Ceramic Creations, came for the fifth year.

"Trees provide shade," Quinn said. "There may be less people coming here, especially if it's a hot day. People are going to bake."

Cathy Wunderle, of Ceramic Creations, said: "I don't know where people will park. We've been to shows with a shuttle service."

Pete Johnson, a former Ohio State and Cincinnati Bengals football player selling memorabilia at the festival for the 10th year, had a philosophical approach to the new location.

"It is what it is," Johnson said. "Nothing to complain about. Do your best and move on."

Jackson said his focus for the festival hasn't changed.

"It's all about the kids having fun," Jackson said. "If the weather is OK, we should do well here. The people will find us."

kmallett@newarkadvocate.com

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Twitter: @kmallett1958