FireFest Loses Organizer, May Be Canceled

As many of you know, Miller’s Landing Day is this Memorial Weekend’s Saturday. There will be all the events and live music we have been letting you know about the last few weeks. During planning time, it was unfortunately speculated that FireFest might not happen due to Tara Steffens’s busy schedule at Pinckney Bend and her new role as president of Missouri Craft Distillers Guild. Steffens said she would be stepping aside in her role in directing Pinckney Bend’s leadership in the annual FireFest. This could mean a cancellation for the beloved event.

Alderman Mark Wehner has been trying to figure out how to continue FireFest again this year. Paddle Stop owner Shane Camden is planning on opening his new brewery in the first week in November, the time during which FireFest has traditionally occurred.

FireFest was started a little more than a decade ago by Alan Bell with the intent of showcasing art which was created by fire. Bell featured his raku ceramics, and Astral Glass expanded the festival with their art glass. Blacksmith David Smith has brought fellow blacksmiths to town and set up forges for blacksmithing demonstrations. Astral Glass further expanded the festival with “The House of Fire and Ice” and a trebuchet, launching flaming pumpkins into the Missouri River.

A couple years later, the 35 foot tall “Burning Man” was added. The last couple of years saw a floating fire-breathing dragon lighting up a presence on the River.

FireFest could still happen if a new leader can step up to lead in the organization of the event. They would need to be as dedicated and organized and as creative as Tara has proven to be during her time as event coordinator.