06/07/2026
Growing up in Toledo, news like this feels personal.
Some of my fondest memories include attending the Old West End Festival as a kid. Years later, my wife and I brought our own daughters when they were still in strollers, sharing with them the same sense of community, creativity, and neighborhood pride that has made the festival such a special tradition for generations of Toledo families.
The Old West End Festival has always been more than a neighborhood event. It is a celebration of community, diversity, history, art, music, and the unique people who make Toledo such a vibrant place to call home. It is a place where people from all backgrounds come together, connect with one another, and celebrate what we share as a community.
This weekend's violence is deeply concerning. My thoughts are with those who were injured, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy. I am also grateful for the first responders, medical personnel, and law enforcement officers who acted quickly to protect others and provide care.
Moments like these remind us that a community is more than a place; it is the people who come together to support one another through difficult times. While this incident is troubling, it does not define the Old West End, the festival, or the city we love.
To those recovering, grieving, or struggling to make sense of what happened, please know that your community stands with you. Toledo has always been at its best when neighbors support neighbors, embrace diversity, and come together in the face of adversity. That spirit remains stronger than any single act of violence.
Mark Skeldon, Skeldon Law
