TEAM WEIGHT/FOR EXPRESS
Vendors and patrons can be seen at the previously held Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Fair.
BELLEFONTE — He’s back — and he’s better than ever.
After a two-year cancellation due to COVID, the 39th annual Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Fair returns to the streets of Bellefonte this weekend. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 5, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. The fair will be held along Allegheny and High streets. In previous years, the fair was held in Talleyrand Park.
“We’re excited to be back and while we may face some challenges this year, we’re moving forward to provide a fun two-day event for everyone to enjoy,” said Denise Snook, Co-Director.
Simply put, the Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Fair has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for homemade jewellery, soaps, art, decorative items or some early Christmas gifts, the fair is the place for you.
According to Snook, fan favorites will return, as well as some new faces.
“Many of our longtime artists are returning and we are happy to announce that over half of our artists are new to our event this year,” said Snook.
As far as artists go, there are tons of categories for you to check out. There is calligraphy, crafts, fiber, texture, leather, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed arts, painting, photography, pottery, clay, soap, wood, and specialty foods.
There will also be several children’s activities, Snook said.
If you get hungry during the event, there will be plenty of food trucks and vendors, along with local Bellefonte restaurants setting up shop along the sidewalk for outdoor dining and drinking.
There will be entertainment on both days. On Friday, there will be live music starting at 11 a.m. It all kicks off with Ramblin’ Dan Stevens (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), followed by the Deacons of Dixieland (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.). At 14:30, Sultanz of Swing takes the stage. They will be followed by The Brass Rats at 4 p.m. At 17:30 Free Range takes the stage. The first day ends with the Triple A Blues Band at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, the day begins with the Bellefonte Community Band at 10:00 am. This will be followed by doo-wop specialists Rama Lama at 11:30am, Caldonia take to the stage at 1:00pm, followed by Ted and Molly at 2:30pm. The second day concludes with The Keystone Society of Swing at 4:00 p.m.
“We have great musical entertainment that you won’t want to miss,” Snook said of the lineup.
A free gift basket will also be organized. Applications for this will be made at the information stand.
“We encourage everyone to stop by and enter to win,” Snook said.
Parking in Bellefonte can be tricky, so Snook encouraged everyone to take advantage of the free shuttle, which will run from Bellefonte Area High School. Parking at the high school is free.
Needless to say, Snook is excited about the return of the Bellefonte Arts and Crafts Fair.
“This event is a huge undertaking and could not be possible without all the volunteers and financial sponsors. We also have to thank Historic Bellefonte, Inc., for their support of this event,” said Snook.
