“You hear this a lot about events, but this really will be bigger and better,” Levin says of FireFish. “We’re going to be using many different parts of Lorain to put on the festival. Some of them you’ll probably expect to be involved, but other parts will be unexpected — that’s a big part of what makes this a great experience.”
The festival, which is free, will have a wide range of artistic performances from artists, dancers, musicians and other performers to go along with food, beverages and entertainment from Northern Ohio and around the world. For instance, you’ll find a 24-foot, fire-spewing FireFish, built by Daniel McNamara of the famed Bread and Puppet theater in Vermont.
Lorain is the perfect setting for such an event, Levin says. “Certainly we’ll be utilizing Broadway Avenue and all parts of downtown,” he says. “We’ll be on rooftops, in alleys, side streets and many different buildings. Lorain has wonderful old buildings and a proud business and ethnic heritage.”
Lorain’s diverse ethnic heritage will play a vital part in the festival, he adds. “There’s going to be fire, visual art, music and many sights, which will stimulate your senses and imagination,” Levin says. “It will transform the entire area and provide an experience you won’t forget.”
Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer says FireFish brings a lively and entertaining arts experience to Lorain that usually is reserved for larger cities or venues.
“It incorporates several types of art into an action-packed, lively experience,” he explains. “I am excited for Lorain to, once again, host FireFish. It brought a great crowd and atmosphere to downtown Lorain last year, and I look forward to it coming back strong in year two.”
Don't Miss Moments
“You’ll have to watch carefully, or you’ll miss something. We’ll be all over, using streets, buildings and
the entire landscape of downtown Lorain.”
— James Levin, executive director, FireFish
The Grand Finale Processional Fire Event is “going to feature many artists from ballet, belly dancers, fire performing artists, stilt walking artists with fire, drummers, trumpets and the FireFish spewing fire, as well as a surprise for the end.”
— James Levin
“The festival boasts a rich diversity of art and entertainment for all to enjoy. Lorain looks forward to welcoming you to this unique, innovative experience.”
— Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer
