BISCO members (l-r) President George Dahl, Vice President Dave Moore, Board members Bob Reusch and Andy Pacitto, plus Treasurer Greg Lund met for another planning session, one of many needed to produce a successful Arts Festival. Dahl, Pacitto, Lund, Sue Parrino (absent from photo) and Festival Chair Pat Baker (behind the camera) make up the Festival Coordinating Committee. Provided photoThe 18th Annual Brockport Arts Festival returns to Main Street August 11 and 12, after two years in off-site locations because of the Main Street reconstruction project.
The Brockport Integrated Service and Community Organization (BISCO) representatives say planning, well underway since last August, has now moved into high gear. This year’s festival aspires to be the best ever with more community involvement, creative activities such as the “Especially 4 Kids” program, and a broad range of entertainment with individual performers located throughout the venue. Attendees will enjoy everything from instrumental and vocal performers to street dancing and Happy the Clown. Brockport merchants are invited to add their touch to the festivities through the creation of displays outside their stores. Festival weekend is also the NYS Canal System’s widely publicized “Canal Splash Weekend” with scheduled events in communities throughout the system.
As in the past, the arts/craft/food vendors and exhibitor’s booths will extend the length of Main Street from the canal bridge to south of College Street. Arts and crafts vendors, the heart of the festival, will enjoy a discount if they apply by March 31. A number of volunteers will be needed to direct vendors to assigned locations, help with unloading and booth set-up, and even do some “booth sitting.” Individuals or groups interested in volunteering for these and other “jobs” can visit the festival website in April for a list of possibilities.
The Arts Festival has attracted many thousands of visitors to the “Victorian Village on the Erie Canal;” over the past 17 years. The return to Main Street this summer is arguably the best opportunity the village will have to show off its many interesting shops, beautiful architecture and historic locations, they say. BISCO members say they welcome the opportunity to make this festival the best ever. “We’re glad to be back!”
BrockportArtsFestival.com includes vendor and sponsor applications and other details about the festival. E-mail brockport-artsfest@frontier.com or call 585-395-9606 for other information.
