Sections of State and Fourth streets in Hamburg were closed to traffic but filled with art for the annual Hamburg Arts and Craft Fest and “Rolling Art” Exhibition Car and Motorcycle Show on Saturday, May 14.
Early forecasts called for a stormy day, but sunny skies prevailed for most of the day and residents of all ages filled the streets, enjoying art demonstrations, creating some art of their own and browsing vendor displays. The event was sponsored by the Our Town Foundation (OTF) and Hamburg Area Art Alliance (HAAA).
Children lined up all day for face painting by HAAA member Rebecca Kunkleman. Many of the youngsters chose to be transformed into tigers or other wild animals.
Lancaster artist Josiah Hurst drew caricatures at this weekend’s Art Fest. Hurst also presented two live “chalk talk” drawings inside the Hamburg Strand Theater.
A crowd gathered to watch Todd Gladfelter’s live chainsaw carving demos. Gladfelter was one of several performing artists at the Hamburg Arts and Craft Festival.
Street magician, Rich Gerber, gave a live performance. Gerber, a Reading resident, volunteers his time at the Hamburg arts festival each year.
Many community groups had stands at the arts festival in Hamburg this weekend. A Kutztown area Girl Scout Troop offered games and snacks. Proceeds from their stand will help cover costs for the girls’ trip to London next year.
Visitors to the Arts and Crafts Fest browsed displays, including a silent auction, inside the Hamburg Gallery on State Street. Members of HAAA donated items to the auction, one of the organization’s biggest fundraisers of the year.
Street musicians performed at the State Street beer garden, on Fourth Street near the car show and outside the OTF office during Saturday’s festival.
OTF sponsored the popular “art squares” where children could decorate a square of pavement on State Street.
Children could also add their artwork to a large canvas kids’ mural or create clay decorations to be incorporated into a community art project. Free activities included coloring contests, art projects, games and refreshments, all sponsored by area businesses, churches and organizations.
The festival also featured an art contest open to adults and children. This year’s theme is “The Chicken or the Egg,” which was the brainchild of HAAA member Jay Ressler.