Headlands Beach State Park is the longest natural beach in Ohio (1 mile)…

…and most likely the most beautiful in the state.

So obviously it would be the most perfect setting…

…for the Headlands BeachFest.

As I walked onto the festival grounds, vehicles were parked…

…to instruct on both fire and water safety…

…and to feed via barbeque (Stewart’s Smokin Backyard BBQ)…

…and other tasty dishes (Manna/Off the GRIDdle).

I followed a line of vendors down a pathway…

…and checked out their offerings of beach glass jewelry…

…wooden maritime decor…

…beach lifestyle accessories…

…and a variety of ceramics…

…that could be painted on-site.

But the heart of the festival happened right here on the beach…

…where a helpful walkway…

…led me to some fantastic music (Akron Steel Drum Band)…

…a stage for acrobatic performances by Jasmine Dragons…

…a group of dancing heads (Cleveland Museum of Art)

…and various activities, including a hike among the dunes…

…artistic children’s activities…

…and sand sculpting.

Sand sculpting, I should say…

…was my favorite part of the festival (Greg Grady)…

…as master artists made pieces that were beautiful (Suzanne Altamare)…

…funny (Carl Jara)…

…and even a little surreal (Jon Woodworth).