MANSFIELD, Ohio — Body art enthusiasts have something to look forward to Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12 when the Ohio State Reformatory will host “Ink in the Clink,” a tattoo and music festival.
Over 100 tattoo artists from across the country will participate in this three-day event, demonstrating their craftsmanship while competing for titles like “Best Color Portrait,” “Most Unusual,” “Best Realism” and “Best of Show.”
This event will be local tattoo artist Rick Field’s sixth tattoo convention that he’s planned, the last two of which were held at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield. “But we outgrew the Holiday Inn, there were so many people wanting to get involved,” he said.
Mary Kennard, program director at the Reformatory, is happy to have the historic prison host the festival. “There’s something for everyone at this event,” she said.
Live music will be provided all weekend long by over 20 bands from throughout the state. There will also be performances by Monster Dolls, Cleveland’s first and only dark horror cabaret dance group.
A two-day vintage car show organized by the Highway Hellions Car Club will be held Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. All vehicles 1973 and older are accepted. Registration is from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost for car entry is $30 for one day or $40 for both days (includes two wristbands for the festival). Contact Jeff Hall at 419-651-6280 or Perry Welch at 419-651-8263 for more information.
There will be a classic pin-up contest on Sunday. The top three contestants will be awarded prizes. Judging begins at 3 p.m.
Various vendors will be at the event, too. “A lot of the vendors are local,” Fields noted.
Fields said that through this event he hopes to showcase local talent, as well as “show that Mansfield has more to offer.”
Also at the festival will be a zombie apocalypse game provided by Apocalypse Global (tickets sold separately). “It’s kind of like laser tag,” Fields described. Participants go through an obstacle course while trying to survive a “zombie apocalypse.” As stated on the event website, “It is a total immersion experience using tactical laser M4’s while making your way through an apocalyptic nightmare, shooting zombies as you go. This event will be on site and open during show hours.”
Additionally, there will be ghost hunts at night, which cost $50 to participate.
So far, approximately 6,000 presale tickets have been sold. Tickets may be purchased via the Ink in the Clink website, as well at the event. They include admission to the car show, side shows, tour of the prison and live entertainment. General admission costs $25 and a weekend pass costs $60.
