LIMA — The second annual Spring St. Jamboree brought live music and community spirit to downtown Lima on September 11th and 12th. Hosted by the Lima Festivals and Amphitheater Alliance (LFAA) in collaboration with Good Food Restaurants, the event showcased a variety of musical acts and local vendors.
The festival's footprint extended to the Social House on South Central Avenue, where attendees could browse food and clothing vendors. The Lima Amphitheater also opened its doors on Saturday night to host a tailgate for the Ohio State versus Texas football game, according to Erika Robinson, Secretary for LFAA and Director of People and Promotions at Good Food Restaurants.
Music was a central feature of the Jamboree, with acts performing until 11 p.m. on both nights. The first night, September 11th, welcomed Classic Rock and R&B performances from artists like James Adkins, The Dans, and Larry and the Back in the Day Band. On Saturday, local Blues Musician Will Freed played on the main stage located at Spring and Main Streets. The band Big Trouble also performed during the Jamboree.
Robinson shared that the LFAA aims to foster a strong local identity, stating that organizers "want to give people the community feel that people have in other cities but still that small-town feel." She noted a positive reception, observing that "a large mixed crowd came out and so many people told me that they were having a good time." However, Robinson also acknowledged that weather presents a challenge for hosting such events, as rain occurred during this year’s festival.
John Heaphy, President of the LFAA and owner of several Spring Street restaurants, discussed the logistics of organizing talent. He explained that booking acts for summer festivals requires considerable advance planning due to the abundance of similar events during the season. Heaphy added that flexibility is essential, as organizers "have to be able to adjust and modify because we are firm on our dates." He works with a network of regional act promoters to secure performers for LFAA's festivals and events.
Blues Musician Will Freed, who performed on Saturday, shared his personal connection to Lima. He got his start in the city, collaborating with Heaphy on his first record. Freed, who grew up in West Virginia but spent summers with his grandmother on Pierce Street, expressed his enjoyment of playing local venues like the Horseshoe for Buckeye Country Superfest and Waiting Room’s 1st Sunday Blues Hour on 104.9 FM. He praised local audiences, stating that Lima crowds are consistently "kind to their musicians, tipping them."
Looking ahead, Heaphy outlined LFAA’s goal of hosting at least four festivals annually, in addition to two shows at the Amphitheater. This winter, plans are underway to host a Winterfest event, which is expected to feature vendors and ice sculptures.
