Conversations with Matthew Burton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Burton

Hi Matthew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
“Started from the bottom, now we here.” Hi, I’m Matt Burton and I am an artist and event producer. My latest project is the Canton Pickle Fest. Which is a super fun, inclusive, high-energy, food and art festival brought to the public for free, by LHG Productions LLC. My production company, LHG Productions LLC has a mission to promote community engagement and economic development by organizing and hosting events that celebrate local culture, support small businesses, and provide entertainment and enjoyment for residents and visitors through curated experiences featuring artisanal foods, handcrafted goods, and diverse vendors.

Because everyone loves Pickles, we brought a Pickle Fest to Stark County. Our team curates a diverse offering and selection of pickles, and pickle-flavored and inspired foods, including a wide variety of snacks and desserts. And we just want to mention again, pickles, pickles, and more pickles. The shopping couldn’t be more enjoyable with something for everyone! There is pickle apparel, handmade crafts, jewelry, toys and more! A kid’s craft tent, a scavenger hunt, raffles and prizes galore keep everyone entertained and engaged at the Canton Pickle Fest. Our team couldn’t be more excited to make this an annual event, everyone looks forward to, year after year.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Learning the ropes of venue rental, working with the city, dealing with insurance of course all has little differences and requirements every time, so there are adjustments. Creating maps can be challenging for sure. But the whole process really has taught us so much along the way. We learn something helpful for the future each time we stumble a bit, so nothing has been outside of what one would consider a normal learning curve. Being a perfectionist sometimes is the biggest struggle for us, honestly. Our team works so hard to make sure everyone involved, from the attendees to the vendors and the host city, all have the best possible experience. It can be quite a tremendous task to coordinate ten thousand people for just one half-day, but we revel in the opportunity to create memories, experiences and opportunities for the community.
As for my artistry in glass work, the challenges have been trying to compete with cheap, inferior products which are outsourced internationally with price points I can’t contend with, coupled with increased raw material costs. Like everyone else, right? I’ve had to pivot my plans and entrepreneurial focus to be able to keep being my own boss, which is important to me. But it’s good; life makes more sense when we see our obstacles as steppingstones.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artistry is actually glasswork. I am a lamp worker, or more commonly known as a glass blower. I started blowing glass over 15 years ago. Naturally I was already making glass pickles as well as carrots and chili peppers, when someone in the community told me I should bring my work to the Pickle Fests. After being an art vendor myself, I decided to create events where I could showcase my art while also creating successful events for other vendors, as well as provide quality entertainment to the public. What sets me apart from others is my passion is driven by making high-quality products more than a focus of making profits. I believe that good work is what matters and that compensation for good work will naturally follow. While I have been a starving artist, I have never not sold a piece of artwork I have tried to sell. My ingenuity will take me far, as will my talent and perseverance, as I want to go.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have to credit my wife, of course, my best friend and partner for the last 18 years. She has always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my passions. She helps me fill in the blanks- the gaps where I fall short; she’s the half that makes me whole. I know it’s corny, but we are such an effective team. Also, I want to give a ton of credit to all the people who shop local and buy from local companies and buy local art. Artists and makers put so much time, energy and themselves into their art and it would be for nothing if there weren’t people appreciating, supporting and showcasing their efforts. Also shout out to the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank for providing meals to people who are hungry. 1 dollar donation provides 3 meals to people who are hungry. We gave all of our proceeds from Canton Pickle Fest to ACRFB and we will again next year.

Pricing:

• 180$ to vend in 10’x10′ tent at Canton Pickle Fest 2025
• $260 for a food truck space at Canton Pickle Fest 2025

Contact Info:

• Website: CantonPickleFest.com, LocalHoneyGlass.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/localhoneyglass
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CantonPickleFest