Twenty-five years ago, a group of Brockport residents came together with the idea of presenting a community festival. And so the Brockport Arts Festival was born. To this day, it is a weekend filled with family-friendly events, food to please any palate, arts and crafts vendors, and entertainment for all. This year’s festival will be held on August 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day and will be located on Main Street in downtown Brockport.
This year’s festival includes new and different vendors, popular favorites and unique attractions such as the Digital Bookmobile. This 52-foot rolling electronic library can be found on Monroe Avenue at the corner of Main Street throughout the festival weekend. According to their website, visitors can learn how to borrow an e-book or audiobook and all that is needed is a valid library card. Make a stop at the Digital Bookmobile and learn how you can be a 21st century library user. For more information, visit the website at digitalbookmobile.com.
The festival has planned a plethora of arts and crafts vendors this year. Festival organizers share that there are over 100 booths, both food vendors and non-profit booths, and this also includes over 80 artists and crafters. “Half of these artists are new and this is due to our recruiting, which we began back in January,” said Art Appleby, Chairperson of the Brockport Arts Festival.
A special Brockport Arts Festival 25th anniversary tee shirt, as well as a unique commemorative poster, will be for sale at the Festival Information Booth throughout the weekend. The poster was designed by Alison Coté, an artist who has created posters for the Rochester Lilac Festival. Get your one-of-a-kind gear and poster that celebrates the festival, supplies are limited and available while they last.
Visit the festival’s Farmers’ Market on Sunday, August 11. You can find local farmers and growers who will sell the bounties of their harvests, as well as other homemade food items. The market will be located on Market Street and will be open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The popular Wine Garden will be open throughout the festival weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The tent will feature Lakeland Winery, Weis Vineyards, A Gust of Sun Winery and Vineyard, Victorianbourg Wine Estate, and Black Button Distillery. The tent will be located in Sagawa Park. Festivalgoers can taste free samples from the wineries and distillery and purchase bottles of their favorites. Festival organizers note the possibility of adding more wineries and distilleries.
“We are hoping to have a bigger tent this year to accommodate more,” said Art Appleby, Brockport Arts Festival Committee Chair.
Are you a car buff who likes to show off your prized set of wheels? Drive over to the Brockport Arts Festival Cruise-In from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both festival days. All makes and models of classic cars are welcome; this Cruise-In can be found at Main and College Streets.
The Brockport Arts Festival is a 25-year tradition that celebrates the Brockport community. This popular summer event draws thousands to the area and is a boost for the local businesses. Make a visit and enjoy all that this festival has to offer and more.
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
for Brockport Arts Festival
