Lakewood Arts Festival A Sweltering Success

Heat, humidity and looming rain clouds didn’t keep an estimated 20,000 people from attending the 34th annual in downtown Lakewood on Saturday.

Many strolled Detroit Avenue checking out art — in just about every medium imaginable.

There were 164 artists sprawled out from Marlowe to Andrews avenues.

They sold an array of work, including clothing, enamel, etchings, paintings, photography, yard art, ceramics, concrete leaf art and furniture.

Get all that?

“It’s a great show and I think it’s growing in popularity and I think people stay interested in it — people like art shows,” said Lisa Metro, spokeswoman for the Lakewood Arts Festival. 

“The rain held off — it was hot and humid — but still tons of people came out. And people were shopping. Everybody was carry bags and packages. It was a great assortment of artists this year.”

“Part of what speaks to the (success of the event) is the number of merchants who participate and be a part of the festivities,” she added.

There was an array of live music and bands performing throughout the day.

But that wasn’t all.

Beck Center for the Arts had an improve group performing; there were puppets; jugglers; mimes; food; and stilt walkers. 

Drops of rain didn’t begin falling until the end of the event — but it didn’t dampen the party.

“The weather was awesome,” said Holly Lauch, the city liaison for the event. “There was a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms.”