Afton, NY – As the Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce announces its line-up of talents and activities for the Afton Arts & Crafts Festival August 20 and 21, renown Austrian artist Ernestine Bucking, who founded Afton’s art show 50 years ago, is being honored among it’s top artisans. The event is being revitalized with the same heart and spirit, as diverse artists will line the Main Street in Afton, once again.
Artists from near and far will be displaying their hand-made items and home-grown treasures throughout Afton Village for the two-day free family-friendly event. Over 70 vendors include candle-makers, authors, jewelry, epoxy and resin, fabric art, photography, fine crafts, laser engraving, pen and ink artists, quilters, wood crafting, plus non-profit organizations, local businesses, and more.
Several artisans will be doing live demonstrations each day, including painters, soap makers, color flow art, soft pastel, jewelry making, woodcraft, macrame, wool spinning, and massage.
Live music kicks off Saturday with guitarist and singer Joe Lombardi, 9-11am; oldies singers Two of Us, 11:30am-1:30pm; Bill Farrish and Dan Sales, Jazz guitarists, 1:30-3:00pm; and Country folk singer Jason Starr, 2-4pm. Sunday’s line-up includes The B’s from Kenyon Hill with Bea on guitar and Barb on Banjo, 11:30am-1:30pm; followed by Jazz band Those Darn Cats, 2-4pm; plus Country and Pop singer, Rhianna Shew in front of the Library, 11:30am-1:30pm. Walk around listening to music from DJs from the Sertoma Stage at the Fairgrounds and in front of the historic Afton Inn.
Afton artist Christopher L. Wright will be on-site painting a large colorful mural on the side of HALO’s building, depicting the history of Afton, made possible from donations by the people of Afton. Inside the building, view the Gallery for the Southern Tier Art Contest showcasing Painting and Photography. Judges determine the Best of Categories, but YOU get to vote for The People’s Choice!
“Views of the Past: Through the Camera Lens of Vernon Duroe,” a traveling exhibit presented by the Chenango County Historical Society, will be on display at in the Gallery as well. This traveling exhibit is part of “Celebrating & Preserving Chenango County’s Heritage” initiative. Born in Norwich, Vernon Duroe was known for his photographs of Chenango County landscapes and people.
The Student Art Show will fill the Social Hall at the First Baptist Church (FBC), and showcases student art projects including clay projects, paintings, photographs, colored pencil, pen-and-ink sketches, paper Mache, and more.
Compete for prizes in the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Saturday at 9am at FBC. Contestants may register as an individual chalker, or as a family/group.
Performing artists include Tri-Town Theatre, Magician David Black doing three shows on Saturday, and Jerry Keebler, a Balloon Artist on Sunday. Nate the Great, juggler and musician, will be roaming Main Street both days, plus a one-hour interactive show each day.
Food and beverage vendors include BBQs, ice cream, wine, Spiedies, hot dogs, and more! There will be the book sale at the Library on Saturday.
Bring your family and friends … it’s FREE to park and attend!
PARKING:
Park at the Afton Fairgrounds for free, walk around viewing the Classics Cruise-In vintage vehicles on display, vote for Fan Favs, and win door prizes. Then hop on the Festival Express, free bus and shuttle service to and from the Village.
The Meet & Greet Art Exhibit with Ernestine Bucking on Saturday, 3-6pm, is at The River Club Restaurant in Afton, and has a $15-20 ticket, which includes catering and refreshing beverages and special desserts. She will be gifting greeting cards and prints of her work to guests attending. Ernestine’s work will also be featured at the Afton Historical Museum.
Hosted by the Greater Area Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization, this free family-friendly event is made possible with grant funds from Community Foundation for Southern Central New York – the Marion Meltzer Fund, a resident of Deposit, NY; Chenango County Tourism; “I LOVE NY” New York State Department of Economic Development; and generous sponsorships from businesses and individuals.
The Afton Arts & Crafts Festival will be held rain or shine August 20-21 in Afton, from 9:00am to 4:00pmm each day, at the venues of the Afton Fairgrounds (free parking), Afton Village on Main Street, First Baptist Church (Caswell Street), and The River Club Restaurant. Off I-88, exit #7 for Route 41 into Afton. Free shuttles from the Fairgrounds to and from the Village are provided.
For more information and details and schedules, visit https://aftonartsandcraftsfestival.com