Food focus provides one highlight of Old Hilliardfest – ThisWeek News Article

By KEVIN CORVO Wednesday, September 6, 2017 12:01 AM Download a PDF version of this article.

The Old Hilliardfest Art & Street Fair will return to Main and Center streets in Old Hilliard from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9.

Ed Daniel, president of the Hilliard Civic Association, said the community can expect a high-quality and fun event.

Admission and parking at the county fairgrounds and other public areas are free, but some streets near the festivities will be closed. Visit oldhilliardfest.org for more details.

Whether you are a regular or plan to explore the street fair for the first time, here are 5 Things to Know about the event billed as Hilliard’s flagship festival.

Arrive with an appetite

“I wouldn’t eat before coming,” said Robert Vance, secretary of the Hilliard Civic Association and public-relations manager for Old Hilliardfest.

This year, Vance said, about 20 food vendors will be concentrated in a food court along Center Street in a new parking lot where the NAPA Auto Parts store, demolished this spring, once stood.

“You can stand in the middle and get a good look at everything,” he said.

Bring your boogie shoes...

Three stages will feature an array of music in all genres.

Though without front man Dan Baird, who was required to leave the band’s tour due to a battle with leukemia, headliner Homemade Sin will carry on with Joe Blanton as its guest lead singer.

Black Water Road, whose members include Tony LaRosa, a Hilliard police officer, and John Hall, Hilliard’s director of lands and buildings, is scheduled to perform.

...and running shoes

In partnership with the Rotary Club of Hilliard, Old Hilliardfest will include the second Run to Remember 5K.

The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 9 at Hilliard Heritage Middle School and will conclude at First Responders Park at the corner of Main and Center streets in Old Hilliard.

The 5K was founded last year to honor first responders and memorialize those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, said Johnny Dawson, a veteran and business owner who organized the inaugural event.

Find a little deuce coupe

Enthusiasts who prefer big horsepower and sweeping tailfins should visit the car and bike show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Chase Bank at the corner of Main and Norwich streets.

A panel of judges and patrons may vote in seven categories.

Proceeds benefit the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Catch some air

The Kids Fair at Old Hilliardfest will include a variety of inflatable slides and tents but no mechanical rides.

The decision to remove mechanical rides in lieu of inflatables was made before the fatal accident this summer at the Ohio State Fair, Vance said.

The shift was based on public feedback, “but the incident at the state fair solidified our belief that we made a good decision,” he said.