In preparation for the 17th annual New Hope Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival on Sept. 25 and 26, the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce is seeking over 20 volunteers to assist in various functions throughout the weekend event.
No experience is needed. The chamber also is looking for acoustic musicians to perform throughout the weekend. Those interested in volunteering and performing should call 215-862-9990.
”The Arts and Crafts Festival is the chamber’s largest, most ambitious annual event, and it wouldn’t be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers,” said Sharon Flanagan, chairwoman of the two-day, rain or shine event. “The Festival draws art enthusiasts to New Hope from as far as New England, Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and beyond. Volunteers are essential to running the event smoothly and for keeping our artists and visitors feeling welcome year after year.”
Volunteers provide information, coordinate traffic, help with display set-up and break-down, deliver coffee and lunch to participants, empty trash, assist artists at their booths, pass out brochures, aid the entertainers and fulfill other myriad duties.
Volunteers also are needed for the kick-off party for exhibitors, the committee, volunteers and North Main Street residents on Sept. 25 from 7-9 p.m. The party will be held at The Mansion Inn.
The festival would not be complete without the presence of musicians, according to Ms. Flanagan, who said, “the ambiance of acoustic performers has always complemented our festival.”
Over 150 artists will present and sell their work in booths lining North Main Street from Bridge Street to Parry Street, including side streets and parking lots beside the canal or overlooking the river.
This juried event features the work of premier artists and craftsmen specializing in oil painting, pastels, watercolors, drawing, etching, mixed media, black and white and color photography, soft and hard sculpture, wood turning and rustic furniture, pottery, wearable art including leather and fabric handbags and handspun clothing, jewelry including hand-blown glass beadwork plus precious and semi-precious metals and stones.
Many local artists participate in the festival in addition to visiting talents from Tennessee, Florida, New Hampshire, South Carolina, New York, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Connecticut.
The event includes musical entertainment in various locations and food vendors. Admission to the festival is free to the public.
The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote the economic, civil, commercial, cultural, artistic, historical and educational interests of the area. For more information, visit www.NewHopeChamber.com or call 215-862-9990.

