Lodi's Peddlers Fest returning this month

LODI — A popular summer staple is set to return after a pandemic hiatus. The 11th annual Peddlers Fest will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21 at Lodi Community Park. Over the past decade, the event has grown into a popular hub for antique aficionados and is put on yearly by village business Parkside Peddlers, 121 Wooster St. Co-owner Christy Ladina acquired the 16-year-old business in 2018 and has been administering the festival for the past eight years. "We're calling this the '11th annual minus a year' just because of us missing 2020," she said. "This is something that people are always happy to come out for and it's just a good excuse to get together again. I'm excited for that and to see people get to reconnect after not getting to show off any of their work last year." More than 50 vendors selling a range of crafts and antiques will be accompanied by lots of hot food and live music, Ladina said. "We've got some great acts," she said. "We usually have about 90 vendors but, this time, we're keeping everything spaced out a little bit more for social distancing and to be as safe as possible. We just want everyone to come and have fun." Ladina said the Lodi Railroad Museum, 204 N. Railroad St., and Lodi Harrisville Historical Society, 111 Harris St., will both be open to the public for the event. "They've been so gracious in offering to add to the day like this and we're very thankful," she said. "I'd say the festival is in conjunction with them. A lot of people around here always step up to help out and make it a special day." Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (330) 721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.