Held over a gorgeous Bucks County summer weekend July 9 and 10, the Tinicum Arts Festival returned with record attendance levels and robust vendor sales. The Tinicum Civic Association estimates that it received nearly 6,000 visitors over the course of the festival weekend.
More than 200 volunteers helped the Civic Association bring the Arts Festival back to life this year. This reporter worked the gate for several hours on Sunday afternoon and the flow of attendees literally never slowed. Cars waiting for Tinicum Park entry off River Road were backed up both north and south on both days.
In and around Tinicum Park there were 115 crafters and artisans. Over 145 local artists submitted their work to the Art Barn, setting sales records. Several first-time food vendors joined the already-formidable mix – including Pie Bird Farms (a Bucks County farm that bakes “scratch pies with love”) along with the ever-popular Owow Cow Ice Cream company. The Tohickon Garden Club – a festival favorite – sold out its selection of plants and flowers.
“We owe a huge thanks to the people before us who initially had the idea of mounting a fashion show to raise money in support of the schools,” stated Sue Walsh, president of Tinicum Civic Association. “Over 70 years later, it has grown into this wonderful event that truly unites our community. The proceeds not only support our schools, but over 40 local nonprofits that provide much needed services to our community and surrounding townships”.
A few new entertainers were featured on the main stage, one of which was “3 Aksha” – a Philadelphia-based Indian dance company featuring Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form. The troupe wowed the crowd with exquisite costumes, makeup and fluid dance movements.
The Boy Scouts sold over 1,000 bottles of water provided by the Tinicum Youth Athletic Group over the course of the weekend. The festival increased the popular Author’s Table by six scribes and featured several new writing genres including poetry, adult and young adult themes.
Local radio station WDVR broadcast live on-site throughout the weekend, including an exclusive interview by DJ Andy Kin with Sue Walsh and Ethan Perry, Civic Association vice president. The station also sponsored a tent where their local DJs could meet and greet the community.
Kids Crafts, run by members of the Tinicum Environmental Advisory Board included the newest elected Tinicum Township Supervisor Eleanor Breslin, who ably orchestrated the construction of two teepees with clever handicrafts created by Cindi Gasparre.
For the first time this year, the festival’s silent auction featured bidding options for diverse world travel opportunities. A total of 13 trips were sold including adventures to Tuscany, Greece, Alaska, Iceland and the Amalfi Coast.
Brightly-colored flags were featured throughout the park grounds and the festival barn. Generously Donated by Doug Sardo and Gil Wechsler, they were collected on their travels to countries around the globe.
The association has already begun initial planning for next year’s Festival, slated for the weekend of July 8 and 9. The association is looking for someone to coordinate the festival next year, so if interested, contact Sue Walsh for more details.
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