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Seize the Winter Season at Polar Fest

The hard-working attitude of Cleveland’s residents helped establish the city as a major manufacturing hub during the 20th Century. As the 21st Century began, the city underwent a renaissance, bringing in new businesses, people, and ideas. It won't take long for visitors to fall in love with the city’s top tier restaurants,  sports franchises, and world-class attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

 

If you decide to visit the Polar Fest this year, be sure to check out our list of Ohio Resorts for your stay. 

 

Polar Fest is a family-friendly event that provides the ideal opportunity to leave the house and enjoy the season January 28 and 29 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Patrons will encounter a variety of things to do including snowman building, magic shows, live music, and more. The event will also host a juried art show featuring talented local artisans and craftspeople. For attendees who are 21 and older, there will be a tasting area that will feature a variety of locally produced wines from Old Firehouse Winery, Humble Bee Vineyards, and more. Local food trucks and restaurants will also be serving up various snacks and meals for purchase. To top everything off, Elegant Ice Creations, a national award winning ice carving outfit, will be performing ice carving demos. We got the opportunity to interview Lisa Nemeth, a representative for the event, to talk about this all ages winter festival.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

LN: This is our third year holding Polar Fest.

   

RAL: How many vendors do you draw annually?

LN: We’ve had between 50 and 100 booths in the past, and have seen growth each year.

   

RAL: What demographic does your event attract?

LN: We draw quite a few families and couples, as well as "Girl’s Day” participants.

   

RAL: What makes this event unique?

LN: This event is an interactive show. The exhibitors will be demonstrating or talking about what inspires them within their craft or medium. The audience can watch the artist at work in some of the booths, and join in at others.

 

RAL: Take me through the activities.

LN: On Saturday between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, we will have Elegant Ice Creations doing Ice Sculpture Demos in front of Building 27. Elegant Ice has won numerous National and World Ice Sculpting Championships and puts on a fabulous demonstration.

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

LN: On both Saturday and Sunday, The Great Brad will be inside performing magic for the children and our guests, along with live musical performances by Victor Samalot and Joe Porter both days.

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

LN: Outside main Building 27/The Arts & Crafts Building at the Fairgrounds, we will have Speals on Wheels, the “All American Diner” food truck from Greensburg, PA (other food trucks to be announced) and one of our favorites, Kettle Corn. Inside the building desserts by Stacey's Fabulous Cakes, Poupou's, Swa-berry Patch, Cecilia's Sweet Treats, and D.Kay’s French Waffles are available.

 

RAL: What is the environment like?

LN: If the weather is cold enough outside, we will have a snowman building area. Our craft displays and interactive areas will be inside the heated buildings.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

LN: The town of Middleburg Heights is right next door to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. There are many options from Red Roof Inn to the Marriott within a five-minute drive.  

 

RAL: What does this event mean to the community?

LN: This event offers free admission and parking to the public. It’s a good way to get out of the house during mid-winter. Attendees can explore and learn about different art forms and local craftspeople.

   

RAL: Does the event drive business to the local economy?

LN: Absolutely. Everyone we currently work with are involved in small local businesses, which are related to the arts. By attending Polar Fest, you are supporting small businesses in the Greater Cleveland area.

   

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

LN: A portion of the proceeds support the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds and their activities.

   

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

LN: It is a great way to spend a cold snowy (we hope!) day with your family. Guests can learn about what drives the artist to create and take an opportunity to participate in the creative process at one of our interactive booths. This participation by both adults and children is one of our favorite aspects of Polar Fest.


For more information about Polar Fest, please visit the event website.