MANSFIELD — A thunderstorm and heavy rain swept through most of Richland County Saturday night, putting out attendees at the first annual Taste of Mansfield Jazz and Blues Fest in North Lake Park.
The National Weather Service issued a warning at 5:50 p.m. predicting strong thunderstorms, gusts of wind exceeding 40 miles per hour and half-inch sized hail. An updated warning at 6:24 p.m. from NWS said wind gusts could exceed 60 miles per hour in parts of the county.
The rain hit North Lake Park around 6:15 p.m. during local band The Trio’s set. People were still standing in line waiting for ordered food when sprinkles turned to constant heavy drops.
The festival began promptly at 4 p.m. with clear skies. Food vendors like Slab Daddy’s BBQ, The Falcon Room, Doc’s Deli, Lionheart Medicinal Gardens, Happy Shack Pizza, Golden Burrito Mexican Grill, Phoenix Brewing Company, Kona Ice among others.
Attendee and volunteer organizer Bill Baker said the crew started preparing the stage around 6:45 p.m. to continue with music.
“The schedule’s off a little bit, but they’re all still here. We’re just out here with a broom and mop out cleaning the stage,” he said.
Bands still on schedule included Jimi Vincent Band, KROC Center Band and Altered Ego.
Some people fled the scene as soon as the rain and lightning struck, but Baker estimated around 200 attendees remained.
“They hid under the pavilion and tents, and some were inside,” he said.
As of 7 p.m., the first annual event was back at it, despite dark clouds. An NWS weather update said the severe weather warning had expired at 7:01 p.m.
