MANSFIELD – Where else can you find an array of coneys, crates of snakes and so much more, all with a carousel in the backdrop?
On Saturday, that location was downtown Mansfield, where participants gathered for Coney Fest. All of the above were among the attractions for a unique event.
Coney Fest started from a poll launched by Richland Source, asking readers to vote on the best coney from a group of photos. Several comments on the poll asked for an actual taste test brought Coney Fest to life.
Festivities stretched from Saturday morning into the afternoon at Richland Carrousel Park on 75 N. Main St. Several of Richland County’s most famous coney vendors lined the location, offering samples to guests and judges.
Several anniversaries were celebrated during the festivities. It was Richland Carrousel Park and Richland Academy of the Arts’ 35th anniversary. It also marked Coney Island Diner’s 90th celebration.
Events kicked off after the National Anthem, sung by Miss Greater Cleveland’s Teen MaKayla Lawrence. Kids at the event joined a gummy-eating contest, sponsored by Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, following the performance. A hot-dog eating contest for the adults took place thereafter.
Afterwards, a panel of judges with some of Richland’s most notable faces took seats at a table to sample each vendor’s coney dog.
The panel included Mayors Jody Perry (Mansfield), Teri Brenkus (Bellville) and Steve Schag (Shelby), who were joined by Fifth Ward Representative Aurelio Diaz, Mansfield Municipal Court Judge Mike Kemerer, Richland County Prosecutor Jodie Schumaker, Richland Academy of the Arts’ Marden Ramos and more.
The judges and visitors voted on which vendor had the best coney, with the crowd’s vote going to Tri-O’s Treats and the judges’ vote going to Back Porch Food Co.
