Modified Artsfest to Provide Hybrid Experience on City Island

HARRISBURG - The 53rd annual Artsfest, slated for May 29-31, has been re-imagined for our times and will offer a hybrid guest experience that combines in-person juried artisans and food trucks,along with virtual presentations and an online artisan market. Hand-crafted works will be available for sale in sixteen different categories, including ceramics, digital, drawing, fiber (decorative and wearable), furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood.

The festival layout will look different this year with all activities held on City Island to provide a larger area for social distancing, slightly reduced number of vendors, and designated entry and exit points. Additional health and safety modifications will be in place including one-direction pedestrian traffic, capacity monitoring, handwashing stations, vendors spaced 10 feet apart and social distancing markers. Masks will be required.

'While the traditional festival will be different this year, we look forward to welcoming back the talented artisans in a safe and modified way,' said Mayor Papenfuse.

Jazzfestwill be paused for the 2021 event. Kidsfestwill offer free, take-home kits filled with educational, artistic and playful activities for families to safely pick up at Artsfest and enjoy at home. FilmFestwill offer a live stream of short films in a virtual platform.

The HBG Flea, featuring local artisans, will return. 'We're so excited that Artsfest is coming back. Our collaboration introduces dozens of local artists to a wider audience and emphasizes the importance of shopping locally to the lives of the incredible artists and artisans living in Central PA,' said Mary Imgrund, HBG Flea Co-Founder.

The City does not plan to keep this format for the 2022 event and looks forward to welcoming residents, visitors and vendors back to Riverfront Park. Artsfest is sponsored by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, ExploreHBG, and Capital BlueCross.

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