Island Fest building levels of community pride

KELLEYS ISLAND — Kelleys Island will be transformed into a high-energy entertainment hub this weekend for Island Fest.Island Fest takes place through Sunday at Memorial Park, 112 Division St.The festival features many activities, including craft/artisan vendors, live entertainment, a beer tent, food vendors and more.Jordan Killam, director of the local chamber of commerce, highlighted a few fan favorites of the festival. "I believe different events attract individuals. From my experience, everybody enjoys the parade, the street dance and the community funded fireworks," Killam said.For island resident, Tim Kesler, he enjoys the feeling of community pride during Island Fest, which motivates him to attend every year."Island Fest is a distinctive identifier of the island," Kesler said. "It shows visitors the tight-knit community we have here. It makes me very prideful to see an increased visitation to this beautiful island during this festival."This year's theme is "Summer of Love." But event organizers are making sure their traditional history is still present."The format of the festival will stay the same. The only difference is the psychedelic branding and decorations," Killam said. "We rely solely on community members to help put this festival together. By the community, for the community. The festival really helps foster a feeling of community pride."Reach reporter Alyssa Wieber at wieber@sanduskyregister.com. Follow us on Twitter @SanduskyRegistr and at Facebook.com/sanduskyregisterIsland Fest, sponsored by the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce, is set to return this weekend. The event will feature live music, a parade Ohio artisans, local crafters, food vendors, a beer tent, and more.Island Fest, sponsored by the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce, is set to return this weekend. The event will feature live music, a parade Ohio artisans, local crafters, food vendors, a beer tent, and more.Island Fest, sponsored by the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce, is set to return this weekend. The event will feature live music, a parade Ohio artisans, local crafters, food vendors, a beer tent, and more.