Marblehead’s 59th Festival of Arts launched Sunday with the traditional Champagne Reception at Fort Sewall under soft blue skies. More than 400 people came out, many wearing festive, handmade hats. The event kicks off the Festival, which is underway this week.
Karen Twomey, decked out in a flamboyant, floral chapeau with matching dress and shoes, won “Most Elegant” in the hat contest. Dennis Treece was awarded “Most Jaunty” and Julee Colella “Most Creative.”
“I’ve been coming to the Champagne Reception for 20 years,” said Colella who showed off her nautical/champagne themed hat and outfit. “I think there’s such a great vibe.”
Festival of Arts Executive Director Cynda Rohmer, with champagne in hand, said, “It’s an amazing night with a great energy. More than 400 people bought tickets – the biggest crowd ever.”
About her army of volunteers, Rohmer added, “My team rocks. Everything is running like clockwork.”
Exhibits, concerts and more events run July 3-6. For the full schedule, visit MarbleheadCurrent.org or MarbleheadFestival.org. One last-minute change, according to Rohmer: The photography exhibit is being moved from the Old Town House to the Masonic Hall.
Most fan favorites are returning, including the Literary Festival, Children’s Festival, Artisans Marketplace, model boat making and regatta, road races, Cods & Whales auction and, of course, the always-popular Concerts @ Crocker Park.
This year’s Crocker series features 20 acts over four nights and three days, July 2-5. The headliner will be the Adam Ezra Group on July 4.
The Street Festival, organized by volunteer Dave Kinney, is Friday, July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Washington Street and is free and open to all.
“Our event is multifaceted, with activities and entertainment for all ages. We will have a remarkable performing troupe of amazing extraterrestrial aliens, an exceptional mime and a mesmerizing magician,” Kinney said. “Henna, face painting, our caricature artist and balloon tying are very popular activities.”
Cape Ann Vernal Ponds is returning with a collection of live animals. (Last year, the snakes were a big hit!)
Rohmer is especially excited about Art on the Avenue, Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Performers and artists will be there, with blown glass and sea glass jewelry demonstrations. Local retailers will host sidewalk sales, and kids can enjoy donkey rides with Minis with a Mission.
What’s new?
There are a few new events this year.
Festival former president Matt Friedman is planning a pup parade, which he describes as “a dog‐centric celebration featuring a costume contest, photo stations and interactive pet activities.”
The dog event is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, 9 a.m-noon, at Green Street Field.
Rohmer is also excited about a community paint-by-number mural project. The 5-foot-by-5-foot final product will hang in Abbot Library. There’s also a new exhibit scavenger hunt for kids.
An enhanced Film Festival was held Tuesday, July 2, featuring 12 independent movie shorts, 11 of them shot in Massachusetts. In fact, four of the filmmakers live in Marblehead, and others are from Salem, Swampscott and Lynn. There will be an encore viewing Friday, July 4, at 10:30 a.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
The Current is proud to be a presenting sponsor of the Marblehead Festival of Arts.
