Litchfield FunFest looking to meet $50,000 cumulative fundraising goal in its fifth year

LITCHFIELD TWP. — Litchfield FunFest aims to bring families together while raising funds for first responders, animals and children. Founder Dave Hydock said Litchfield FunFest started in 2022 as a way to bring the community together after the pandemic. The event raises funds for Bluecoats of Medina County, which supports first responders and their families, the Medina County SPCA and the Litchfield Ballpark, where the event takes place. "It turns out there was an appetite for it in the community," he said. "We had all been quarantined, and we all wanted to get out and see one another again. It just took off like wildfire." About 250 people attended the FunFest in its first year, Hydock said. Now between 2,500 and 3,000 people attend the event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12 and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at the ballpark at 4088 Avon Lake Road. "It's really the community that lit the fire," he said. "It would have been a flop had it not been for all the community support, but everybody really just wanted to get outdoors again and see human faces again." There will be a car show on Saturday with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the show ending at 1 p.m., Hydock said. Then there will be the "Guns and Hoses" softball game, a friendly competition between police and fire. "We're expecting 50 to 100 cars, but I hear that sometimes things can get a little crazy, and it might get bigger," he said. "Saturday is now a pretty busy day as well." Hydock said the event is for children and adults alike, with the following taking place on Sunday: Animal encounter with Whispering Acres Animal Sanctuary. Balloonist and a face painter. Cleveland Browns watch party. Inflatables like a slide and bounce houses. Live bands playing different genres of music. Touch-a-truck with first responder vehicles. Vendor lane featuring 24 vendors. There are 27 corporate sponsors, which means admission to FunFest is free, Hydock said. All of the revenue generated goes to charity. "You can come in and not spend a penny, and your kids will have the time of their life," he said. "I believe we've raised about $38,000 (in four years), and this year we want to get over the $50,000 mark. We think we're going to do it." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.