The FEST marks 25th anniversary with its 2025 event in Wickliffe - The News-Herald
The FEST — an outdoor family festival sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland — achieved a milestone in 2025.
This year’s daylong celebration, which took place on the grounds of the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, marked the event’s 25th anniversary.
“People who come to The FEST will tell you that there’s such a good energy and feeling around the campus on FEST day,” said the Rev. Bob Stec, who founded the event in 2001.
In addition, Stec said people come to The FEST because they are looking for the goodness and hopefulness that God wants to give to us.
“So many use The FEST as an annual retreat day — a chance to reflect on their life and family before the autumn season,” he said.
The 2025 FEST offered opportunities for worship and prayer throughout the day. Children participated in a variety of fun activities, and all guests got the chance to check out an assortment of booths set up by vendors, event sponsors and religious groups and organizations.
One of those booths focused on men’s ministries. Members of St. Paul Street Evangelization teams from various area Catholic churches were on hand at the site to talk with and answer questions from visitors.
Michael Pesek is a member of the St. Paul Street Evangelization Team at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Brunswick.
Pesek said that St. Paul Street Evangelization is a nonprofit organization that works to set up teams in Catholic churches throughout the United States. Although the booth at The FEST was labeled as “Men’s Ministries,” women are also welcome to join St. Paul Street Evangelization teams.
The team at St. Ambrose Catholic Church goes out to places like fairs, festivals and colleges, Pesek said.
“Basically, we’re spreading the good news (the message of salvation and hope through Jesus Christ),” he said.
The FEST is also well-known for featuring main-stage performances by national Christian music artists. The lineup for 2025 consisted of Seph Schlueter, Ben Fuller, Danny Gokey and Maverick City Music.
The opportunity to hear great gospel and Christian music performed by prominent recording artists is the reason why Stephanie Miller attended The 2025 FEST.
“We drove two hours to get here,” said Miller, who lives in Sugar Creek, Ohio.
She was especially excited about seeing the performance by Maverick City Music, which is one of her favorite bands.
Other entertainment included shows by bicycle motorcross stunt riders and performance dogs.
People who worked up an appetite during the event could purchase menu items such as burgers, hot dogs, submarine sandwiches, kettle corn and cinnamon roasted nuts.
The FEST was scheduled to conclude in its usual fashion, with an 8 p.m. Mass, followed by a fireworks display.
“There’s something for everyone at The FEST,” Stec said.
The theme of The 2025 FEST was “United. In Faith. In Hope. In Love.
“The FEST paints a picture of the Church — strong, alive, and united together,” Stec said. “It’s a day that gives all of us hope — the love of God is alive. God and family are always best when we are together as one.”