DELAWARE, Ohio – As the city gears up for the 48th Delaware Arts Festival, preparations are underway to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely. The two-day festival, scheduled for May 20-21, 2023, is expected to draw large crowds, hence the need for advanced planning and organization.
In preparation for the festival, the Department of Public Works has begun setting up barriers and signs to guide festival-goers. Key street closures will be implemented to accommodate the festival’s various activities and ensure the safety of attendees. North Sandusky Street will be closed between Central Avenue and William Street, as will South Sandusky Street from William Street to Spring Street. Winter Street between North Franklin Street and Union Street will also be closed during the event.
A cultural mainstay of the city for nearly five decades, the Delaware Arts Festival is a time-honored tradition that brings together 174 artisans, performers, and vendors for a weekend filled with art, music, entertainment, and food. The festival will begin with a performance by the Capital City Pipes and Drums at 11:00 am on May 20th, marking the official start of the festivities.
To accommodate festival-goers, the city has set up a shuttle service that will transport attendees from the Hayes County Courthouse parking lot on Union Street to the festival grounds at William and Sandusky Streets. The shuttle service will start at 11 am each day and run until shortly before the festival ends.
The Delaware Arts Festival serves not only as a platform for artists but also as a significant supporter of arts education in Delaware County. Initiated by Mary Ellen Kelly in 2009, the festival’s visual arts grant and scholarship programs have been a vital source of funding for art teachers and non-profit community organizations in the area.
As the city readies itself for this much-anticipated event, it is clear that the Delaware Arts Festival is more than just a celebration of the arts; it is a testament to the city’s long-standing commitment to supporting and nurturing creativity and arts education.
For more information about the Delaware Arts Festival, please visit the festival’s official website DelawareArtsFestival.org
