Arts Fest Gets Underway Giving Children Chance to Shine

It’s an entire day for kids to shine.

With their artwork on display, even for sale, and many opportunities to create art on the spot, the Children and Youth Day kicks off the 48th annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts Wednesday in downtown State College.

“It’s a very low impact way to introduce kids to the arts,” says Rick Bryant, executive director of the festival. “There are a million and one sports opportunities, especially here in the Centre region, for kids and the arts are not as available. This is a way to introduce kids to making art.”

Children and Youth Day, sponsored by Penn State Federal Credit Union, features programs and events specifically designed for young people.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale will be held on South Allen Street. Roughly 175 young artists are expected to showcase their works.

There will also be a slew of children’s workshops and activities offered.

The Children and Youth Grand Procession will begin at 4 p.m. on the lawn at the Old Main building off College Avenue. The parade includes giant papier-mâché creatures made to be worn or carried, like dragons, lions, fish and carousel animals. Music will be provided by musicians from State College Area High School under the direction of Paul Leskowicz. The procession will move down Allen Street to Sidney Friedman Park.

The free Pat Farrell Community Sing Along begins at 7:30 p.m. at the State College Presbyterian Church and is sponsored by Foxdale Village Retirement Community. Douglas Miller, music director of the State College Choral Society, and Tony Leach, director of Essence of Joy will lead the sing-along. The event is for all ages.

For more details on Children and Youth Day, click HERE.

Founded by the State College Chamber of Commerce and Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture, the festival draws roughly 100,000 visitors.

The Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. More than 300 artists will display their work. A panel of five jurors will award more than $17,000 in prize money starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Allen Street stage.

Most performances are free events, however, some events require a $10 button, which can be purchased at many downtown State College businesses or by clicking HERE.

For more information, including a schedule of events, click click HERE.