community-based, non-corporate, participatory media
A Fair in the Park
by Nicole Capozzi
Friday, Mar. 31, 2006 at 2:43 PM
boxheartexpress@earthlink.net (email address validated) 412-687-8858 4523 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224
The 37th "A Fair in the Park," an annual contemporary arts and entertainment festival, returns to Pittsburgh's Mellon Park September 8 - 10, 2006.
2006 is the 37th year of A Fair in the Park, an annual contemporary crafts festival presented by The Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh. A Fair in the Park is held in the lush surroundings of Pittsburgh's Mellon Park, adjacent to the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, and along Fifth and Shady Avenues in the Shadyside area. This pleasant park setting provides a Fair in the Park with the casual ambience that makes this one of the most enjoyable shows of the season. A Fair in the Park is an "opportunity for the whole family to be creatively involved with recognized regional and national artists of all mediums."
Rated one of Sunshine Artists top 100 shows nationwide, A Fair in th Park features the overall highest quality contemporary crafts consistently obtaining a high rating from its participants. An estimated 30,000+ attend A Fair in the Park, dedicated customers that enjoy the opportunity to interact with over 100 American Craft Artists working in: Clay, Textile, Wood, Jewelry, Glass, Metal and Mixed Media.
In addition to the vast array of fine art and craft displays and demonstrations, A Fair in the Park also features various performing acts. Musical entertainment including; marionettes, bagpipes, suzuki violinists, local singers and songwriters and much, much more, have been an integral part of A Fair in the Park since 1976. In 2005, WYEP (91.3fm) presented A Fair in the Park with a WYEP Concert Weekend. This partnership has brought A Fair in the Park an outstanding array of regional talent including: Liz Berlin, Kelsey Barber, Mark Dignam and countless others.
This year's A Fair in the Park will feature various musical talent Friday and Saturday including: Kevin Finn and Band, Soma Mestizo and Blue Number Nine. On Sunday, A Fair in the Park welcomes The Zany Umbrella Circus performing "Nouveau Circus. " Working with Drew Hine, a celebrated glass blower in the city of Pittsburgh, the show is set in the Art Nouveau laden streets of France in the early 1890's and features an original soundtrack, trapeze, hand balancing, slack rope walking and never before seen acts. Circus characters will be present and interact with guests between shows.
The Saturday Light Brigade (of WRCT 88.3 FM at CMU) and The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh have teamed up with A Fair in the Park over the years to offer a wonderful selection of activities for families and children to take part in during the festival. The Saturday Light Brigade (SLB) is Pittsburgh's award-winning live radio program featuring acoustic music and interactive family fun. SLB entertainment includes interviews with kids and other interesting guests, puzzles, on-air calls, music, and live performances by regional and national musicians. The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh nurtures children's innate joy, creativity and curiosity. They provide developmentally appropriate exhibits, programs and opportunities for play both inside and outside the Museum. The museum also serves as a resource for families and build meaningful partnerships with schools and community groups. Look for both of these wonderful organizations in the A Fair in the Park children's activity and poject area.
This year's A Fair in the Park will take place September 8 - 10, 2006. Fair hours are: Friday, September 8th: 1 PM - 7 PM, Saturday, September 9th: 10 AM - 7 PM and Sunday, September 10th: 10 AM - 5 PM. A Fair in the Park does not charge admission or parking fees to the public. Parking is available along Beechwood Blvd. and Shady Avenue. On Saturday and Sunday, parking is also available along Fifth Avenue and across the street from Mellon Park at The Ellis School.
A Fair in the Park would not be possible without the assistance of the city of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Special Events Office. A Fair in the Park also receives the generous support of: Renewal by Anderson, The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, The Saturday Light Bridage, WYEP (91.3 fm), The Pittsburgh City Paper and Wholefoods.
We look forward to seeing you at the fair!
Lisa Knighten Fine Woodwork
by Nicole Capozzi
Friday, Mar. 31, 2006 at 2:43 PM
boxheartexpress@earthlink.net 412-687-8858 4523 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Lisa Knighten was the 2005 Best of Show Award Winner.
The Zany Umbrella Circus
by Nicole Capozzi
Friday, Mar. 31, 2006 at 2:43 PM
boxheartexpress@earthlink.net 412-687-8858 4523 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224
The performers of the The Zany Umbrella Circus
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