There’s Something for Everyone at the Bel Air Festival for the Arts!
Every September for the past 49 years, a group of exceptional artists have gathered in Shamrock Park on Hickory Avenue for the annual Bel Air Festival for the Arts. The event is sponsored by the Bel Air Recreation Committee and, while it started it much smaller, the Festival has grown to include over 350 artisans and craftspeople.
The Festival is one of the largest one day events in Harford County each year. “It’s the most awesome day of the year in Bel Air. There’s always something new. I haven’t missed it in 20 years,” says Sharon Langenfelder of Bel Air. Proving that many people feel the same way as Sharon does, the Festival draws about 20,000 people to Downtown Bel Air during the rain or shine event. Not only do those folks get to experience one of a kind fine art, photography, and hand-made crafts but the Festival features continuous live entertainment. And if it’s festival food visitors are looking for, there is a wide variety of favorites available for sale. There’s truly something for every member of the family.
All items featured by the exhibitors are handmade and patrons have the opportunity to meet the artists who produced the items on display. There’s something really special about purchasing an item or giving a gift made by a local artist whose story can be told through their work. Markedly absent from the festival will be anything commercially produced so guests have the opportunity to purchase unique items at the Festival that can’t be found just anywhere.
The Festival will include a broad range of items and artists. Each artist is required to submit an application including photographs of their work. From those applications, a committee selects who will be able to exhibit their work at the festival. This process ensures the highest quality art from a wide variety of vendors giving the Bel Air Festival its distinctive feel. So whether visitors are looking for a piece of beautiful photography, a hand thrown pottery bowl, or a hand poured soy candle, they’ll find it at the Festival. In addition, each year, the Committee reserves fifteen spaces for those ages 16 and under to showcase their talent. Those spaces are available on a first come first served basis and the participation and enthusiasm of the youth provides a new generation of artists whose work can be admired.
The Festival for the Arts is a great way to kick off fall in Bel Air. It’s an event that brings the community together to share a love of quality craftsmanship. “I love looking at all the booths, especially the vendors with country home decor. I also like watching the performances in the band shell. Most of all, I’m certain to run into friends and neighbors so it’s a great place to socialize,” says Heather Hildebeidel, a long-time resident of Bel Air.
This year, the Festival will be held on September 21 from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Admission to the event is free and there’s plenty of parking available downtown and also through a free shuttle service from the MVA parking lot of Route 24. Visit their website for more information.
