CONNEAUT – A monster walked around the grounds of the Conneaut Arts Center Saturday, Aug. 1, in Conneaut.
But this creature wasn’t bent on destruction like Godzilla, however.
Rather, it was a costumed character who added to the playful fun of the annual Lake Erie Monster Festival.
The mascot was joined by other people in costumes, several of them dressed like pirates.
The new executive director of the arts center, Samantha Reid, seemed to be having as much fun as the attendees.
“It’s my first one, and I think it’s fantastic,” she said of the festival. She said everyone was enjoying the festival, with lots of participants in the art show, which attracted more adults this time.
She loved the mermaid that was carried onto the stage during the festival, as well as the music.
Ella Dewey, an employee at the arts center, dressed like a pirate. She thought the festival had really grown over the years.
“It’s gotten so much bigger,” she said.
A visitor, Tina Benedict of Ashtabula, was enjoying herself. “We’re having a blast,” she said.
Reid had seen the Lake Erie Monster Festival advertised online. She had wanted to participate as an artist in the art show, but had just missed the deadline. The deadline was later extended, allowing her to have several pieces in the art show.
While reading about the festival, she then saw that the arts center director position was open at the arts center.
“Everything about it, I felt it like it was meant for me,” she said.
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