It's a community event that has seen a fair share of ups and downs in the past 25 years, but organizers of the Lowell Springfest want people to know it's a tradition that is still alive and kicking.
Everything from erratic weather to gas prices can impact the number of vendors and attendees at Springfest, according to Mayor Doug Seese, but the event is put on nonetheless, as a sort of homecoming and fundraising event.
"This event supports the non-profit groups who set up food booths as well as the village," he said. "Although, it really doesn't make as much money for the village as people might think."
Article Photos
Times file photo
Jerry Smith performs with his band Space Chickens at a past Lowell Springfest. Smith, owner of Jerry’s Auto Body, was chosen as this year’s parade marshal.
In a good year, $2,000 to $3,000 is raised for projects to benefit the community through set up fees and a raffle.
"Since last year's Springfest, we purchased two used trucks for the village and we're looking to outfit the trucks to make them more user-friendly," said Seese, "and we always have things going on with the pool."
Several vendors familiar to this event and the sister event, Octoberfest, will return this year as a kick-off to the traveling flea market season.
Fact Box
If you go
What: 25th annual Lowell Springfest; flea market, food, free entertainment.
Where: Buell Island in Lowell, approximately 10 miles north of Marietta on Ohio 60.
When: Saturday and Sunday; parade Saturday at 10 a.m.
Parking: Free on the island. Turn left off Ohio 60 northbound over the bridge and follow the signs.
"A lot of these vendors start and end the season in Lowell," Seese said.
A new attraction this year will be an antique tractor and equipment display and some popular food items, including chicken and noodles, barbecue and a Filipino food booth will return.
A parade starting Saturday at 10 a.m. will kick off the event and this year's parade marshal will be Jerry Smith, owner of Jerry's Auto Body on Main Street, and one-third of the popular local band, Space Chickens, which consists of Smith, his wife and daughter. Space Chickens will also be one of several entertainment acts performing at this year's event.
