There's less noise and traffic, more mom-and-pop businesses, even more familiar faces, and a lot of history.
Nonprofit New Freedom Heritage wants you to celebrate all of that during its 8th annual New Freedom Fest on Saturday.
Diane Folger, chair-
woman of the festival, said the organization aims to create a coalition between business and citizens, and enhance civic pride and cohesiveness in the community.
The festival features music, arts and crafts, animals, food, games, a pie-eating contest, a pet parade and more along the York County Rail Trail in New Freedom.
Folger said about 4,000 to 6,000 people attend each year.
"It's very community-oriented," she said.
Art Wachter, who organized entertainment for the event, said there's something for everybody.
About 30 artisans and crafters will sell their wares, including artwork, jewelry, quilts, bird houses, doll clothes, candles and stained glass.
Wachter said the festival accepts only high-quality, handmade goods.
Regional food vendors will sell crab cakes, pit beef, pulled pork, burgers, kettle corn and smoothies, along with fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods from the farmers market. Thirsty? Crack open a bottle of Logan's View wine to share with friends.
Musical entertainment starts at 10 a.m. and runs all day, culminating with a
4 p.m. performance by Bill Emerson & the Sweet Dixie Band.
Wachter said Emerson - who has been nominated as IBMA Banjo Player of the Year - is a bluegrass legend.
"We really lucked out this year," he said, adding that the festival has never featured bluegrass.
Folger said money raised at the festival helps the nonprofit give back to the community. In February, the nonprofit opened the New Freedom Heritage Museum, and now it's developing a park.
She said such projects mean a lot to the town's inhabitants, especially senior citizens who've lived there their whole lives. The festival helps make that happen.
"It brings families together," Folger said. "It's just a small-town festival that is enjoyed."
- LEIGH ZALESKI,
FlipSide staff
If you go
WHAT: New Freedom Fest
WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday (runs all day)
WHERE: Front Street and Railroad Avenue, New Freedom
COST: Free
DETAILS: Visit www.new
freedomfest.org
Font Resize
