Powell Festival

Its just not that big a deal.I'm going with 2 stars (per Yelp - I'v experienced better). I really have experienced better festivals. This event is supposed to be a community festival that showcases local business, but in the past several years the event just keeps getting more and more blah.There seems to be lots of canopies with vendors under them but its mostly roofing, siding, gutters, churches and other similar businesses.What I would like to see is more of the local businesses coming out to give back to the community by giving out coupons, samples etc. Maybe somebody who plans these events or is involved with these events will see this review and bring this to the right persons attention.There are bounce houses in the middle that are roped off and are only allowed by people with wrist bands. The bands cost $20, what?!? that's terrible.This event is not worth going to and I would recommend spending your time doing something else that is more fun. If I hear that the Festival has changed more to what a community festival should be then I will update my review.

This year was the 16th annual Powell Festival and it was the best I have been to in Ohio yet!Its right downtown Powell by the kids splash pad which is really nice and perfect for a hot summer day.They had so much to do for kids and adults alike.Foodwise I was a bit dissapointed but had eaten lunch before coming, so that was not a problem.The reason this gets 5 stars from me is that everything (expect for said food) was FREE!We actually left with 3 huge tote bags (also free) PACKED with free goodies!The festival is about local vendors/stores/shops/retailers promoting their businesses.So free toothbrushes/toothpastes from the dentists,free sunglasses from the optical stores,free snacks drinks and coupons from Giant Eagle,free facepainting,free videogame truck for the kids,free ice cream sundaes and coupons for free froyo from Cherry Berry,it went on and on, we spent hours just chatting with vendors and stocking up.Everyone was friendly and in good spirits, it was a great day and a festival I'll be back to for sure!

If you like to attend festivals where everything is an advertisement then this is the festival for you. Almost every booth except for a few, was a company trying to sell you something and trying to hand you plastic swag no one wants or needs. There was live (so so loud) music which was fun but almost impossible to have a conversation over. There was beer which is a bonus. The best thing is that kids can run around and have fun playing at the parks and splash pad and that doesn't cost a dime. Parking can be really bad. You can bring your own food and not worry about buying junk food or spending a ton of money or waiting in very long lines. The park has actual bathrooms indoors which is very nice.