Several thousand people made the trip to ForeFront Field in Avon, home of the Lake Erie Crushers baseball team, on Aug. 15 for the daylong family festival.

The FEST core team spent months planning every detail of the event, which included popular faith features like the family blessing tent, adoration and opportunities to pray the rosary and go to confession. Guests could visit booths from various nonprofits, diocesan organizations, schools and vendors.

There also were crafts, activities, food and performances by leading Christian musicians throughout the day, as well as free snow cones, inflatables, games and prizes.

As always, the stage was the focal point with live music throughout the day, drawings for The FEST raffle prizes, the closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Malesic and a closing fireworks show.

Father Bob Stec, The FEST founder and pastor of St. Ambrose Parish in Brunswick, was pleased with the event and this year’s turnout.

“We are blessed in so many ways,” he said. “Last year, after 25 years, there was some thought about wrapping it up, but we heard a voice that said we needed to find a way to continue The FEST.”

So, after much prayer and discussion — and after a fortuitous phone call from the management of the Crushers — Father Bob said the decision was made to move forward at ForeFront Field.

With a smaller, more enclosed venue, security was improved this year. He said this was the first time an admission fee was charged, but no one was turned away. Proceeds from the tickets and the raffle, along with donations and sponsorships, helped underwrite the event’s many expenses.

After a brief post-Mass adoration period, guests enjoyed a fireworks finale. As they left the ballpark, they received a beatitudes poster and book about the Eucharist from Catholic Answers.