EDITOR'S NOTE: At approximately 10am on Friday, September 22, The Newtown Bee was notified that Saturday and Sunday's Newtown Arts Festival outdoor activities are being canceled due to dangerous weather forecast for the weekend. Friday night's outdoor concert is still happening, as is Saturday's related indoor concert at Edmond Town Hall. Please consider attending these events.

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While forecasters are predicting a wet weekend, it should not dampen our community’s support for the many talented performers along with the hard-working and dedicated volunteers, members of the local Cultural Arts Commission, and support staff who will be coming together to present the pageant that is the 2023 Newtown Arts Festival.

In the true spirit of the arts, “the show must go on!”

We know each presenter and performer will be weathering whatever Mother Nature has in store, and they will nonetheless show up and sing and dance and display their artistic talents with all their hearts. So don’t they deserve every ounce of support our community and beyond can muster?

Nearly 70 different artisans scheduled to participate are counting on an audience, and hundreds of other participants will be looking for people to entertain. Now in its 11th year, the Festival will continue showcasing all forms of creative expression — visual arts, dance, music, the written word, and theater — in the setting of a town-wide celebration.

Equally important, our Arts Festival proceeds support grants and scholarships for local artists and arts organizations, future festivals, and other Cultural Arts Commission initiatives.

This year’s Festival opens on Friday night, September 22, with a concert from a band called Red Matter, and general admission tickets are $25. The Festival continues at Fairfield Hills on September 23 and 24 from 11 am to 5 pm each day. Daytime tickets are $5 for ages 6 and up — children age 5 and under are free.

Live music will permeate the scene with new acts hitting the stage starting at 11 am Saturday with the Newtown High School Band. There will be a number of “make & take” projects offered, multiple local and state dance troupes showcased, a science-inspired exhibit and activity area, a fiber arts booth, and loads of visual arts across many media. Visitors will even be able to design their own tote bags and take in a Taekwondo demonstration.

Please note that children are more than welcome, because there will be a lot of interactive and entertaining things for them to do including face painting, magicians, coloring, and crafts — dogs and other animals except for qualified service and support animals are not permitted.

Food will be purveyed by a number of food trucks, and the Newtown Arts Festival will also host a Beer and Wine Garden opening at noon and closing at 4:30 each day. Credit cards will be accepted for beverages in the Garden this year, and patrons will see a place for tips when they cash out. All the tips go to supporting the arts in Newtown.

To plan your visit, check out newtownartsfestival.com, dress accordingly, and join the fun no matter the weather. It is a sure bet that you will come away with a smile on your face, and a much greater appreciation for the wealth of talent residing in your own neighborhood and throughout our wonderful community!