This weekend, the New Hope Outdoor Juried Arts & Crafts Festival will take place — pope or no pope.
The two-day event, which regularly draws around 25,000 spectators and hundreds of artists and craftspeople along with featuring related events, is traditionally held the last weekend in September. And, while this year it coincides with the papal visit in Philadelphia, festival organizers are confident their event can coincide nicely with the pope’s arrival.
“I know a lot of people don’t want to go through the hassle [of visiting Philadelphia],” noted festival co-chair Linda Rowe.
Not that the Festival was showing any signs of a downturn. Rather, it’s been growing steadily over the past 22 years. So much, in fact, that four years ago the outdoor juried art exhibit was moved from the center of town to the nearby New Hope-Solebury High School campus.
The relocation allows more people to pass through easily, and also gave the festival organizers the opportunity to expand their programming to include more live music and children’s activities.
“We’re really trying to bring in the arts aspect for children,” said Rowe. And, at the high school, which also features a food court and acoustic musicians, “People can take a break, listen to music and eat. It’s been an opportunity for us to grow and add more elements.”
And, there’s still plenty to do on the main drag: the boutiques, shops and eateries that make New Hope unique will have their doors wide open for visitors. New this year is a beer garden on the riverbanks of the Delaware at the Bucks County Playhouse. And, a shuttle bus will run from the art exhibit to downtown and also the allocated free parking areas near the town.
“It’s a full-day event, but there’s plenty to do afterward,” noted Rowe. “We hope people visit the show and then enjoy New Hope after dark.:
But, even with all these added attractions, the main event is still the art: more than 175 artisans who work in a variety of mediums will have their work displayed: everything from paintings to woodworking and jewelry.
“It’s an opportunity to see and learn about different areas of art,” said Rowe. “We have extraordinary potters, painters and photographers this year. It’s always exciting to see and learn about the different mediums and what goes into the artist’s’ works.”
The New Hope Outdoor Juried Arts & Crafts Festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at New Hope-Solebury High School, 182 West Bridge St. in New Hope, and throughout the town. For information, visit www.newhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com.
