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WILKES-BARRE — You know what they say: The 63rd time is the charm.
For more than six decades, the Fine Arts Fiesta has been taking over Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre each spring, turning it into a block party celebrating arts of all kinds.
And its long history makes it the oldest festival of its kind in the state, a tradition that will continue this week.
Mary Anne Fedrick, chairman of the board for the Fine Arts Fiesta, said the festival is a celebration of what she called a “very vibrant art community” here in the Wilkes-Barre area.
“There’s so much diversity on the square for this event,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for people to get out, do something different and just enjoy the ambience of the art, the music, the smells and the sounds.”
From Thursday until Sunday, the Fiesta will be starting each day at 11 a.m., and will wrap up Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. The festivities come to a close Sunday at 5 p.m.
For a detailed look at the Fiesta and its events, see the special section contained in today’s edition of the paper.
“The best part is that all of this is free,” said Fedrick. “You can bring your entire family to the fiesta, and you don’t have to spend a penny.”
While you’re there, you’ll be able to catch shows from musicians both local and national, including the ‘70s blues-rock of Dustin Douglas and the Electric Gentlemen, the country stylings of Drew Baldridge and the reggae and rock fusion of Elephants Dancing.
Then, make sure to grab a bite to eat from the numerous food vendors and a souvenir from local artisans selling their work.
The Times Leader also will provide daily coverage throughout the festival, as well as a detailed look in this week’s edition of The Guide.
If it’s your first time coming to the Fine Arts Fiesta, maybe you’ll make it a tradition like some area folks have.
“People say, ‘I came with my mother when I was a kid; now I’m bringing my kids,’” Fedrick said.
For more on the Fine Arts Fiesta, click here.
