ClydeFEST 2020: Save the Date!

UPDATE: Like all of you, we are actively monitoring developments related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on our beloved ClydeFEST.  Due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent recommendations to limit gatherings of more than 50 people, we will unfortunately not be holding ClydeFEST on April 25, 2020.

With the recommendations of experts changing on a daily basis to help keep us all safe, we don’t have enough information at this time to make a definitive decision as to whether ClydeFEST will be rescheduled or cancelled. We pride ourselves in having a safe and fun environment for all our families during ClydeFEST and so we want to take the time to ensure we are doing what is best for our community. Right now, we are “pressing pause” on all of our ClydeFEST preparations until we have more information. We will continue to listen to the expert advice of our governor, school officials, and leading health organizations and will keep you posted.

Thank you for your patience, support, and partnership. Be well.

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With spring-like weather in February, we are getting excited about our favorite spring event – ClydeFEST! So grab that early sprouted daffodil and mark your calendar for a day full of fun, messy art. The Chatham Arts Council’s 18^th annual ClydeFEST will be on Saturday, April 25, 2020 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Bynum Ballfield.  (Rain date: Sunday, April 26, 1:00 – 5:00 pm.)

If you’ve never heard of ClydeFEST or maybe you just moved to Chatham County and you’re curious about this event, we hope you’ll check it out! Let us share some details with you.Photo Credit: CAC StaffPhoto Credit: CAC Staff

ClydeFEST, sponsored by The Jester Group at Baird, is an old-school kids’ carnival celebrating Clyde Jones, a renowned folk artist, lovingly known locally as the “critter artist.” And the festival is almost as unique as Clyde is. In fact, we just won Chatham Magazine’s Best of Chatham Reader’s Favorite Award.

We’ll have Clyde’s critter cut-outs, local artists, young and talented musicians, face-painting, old-fashioned carnival games, clowns, fabulous local food trucks, and of course, lots of arts and crafts projects!

Photo Credit: CAC StaffPhoto Credit: April StarlingPhoto Credit: CAC StaffPhoto Credit: CAC Staff

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

As you may know, parking at ClydeFEST is limited. Luckily, our friends at Carolina Brewery have kindly offered to ferry people to and from the event again this year! You can park and catch their Sky Blue Express Bus from the Carolina Brewery in Pittsboro to Bynum. The bus will leave on the half hour from Pittsboro and on the hour from Bynum from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.

GET INVOLVED!

• Sponsor ClydeFEST, and we’ll give you lots of love.
• Apply to have a nonprofit booth at ClydeFEST. Application deadline is March 10.
• Sign up to volunteer the day before or the day of! It takes a village to run ClydeFEST. Be part of the fun!

TICKETS

We are ahead of the ball this year and tickets are already available for purchase here. Grab yours now and skip the line. General admission tickets are $7; free for children 2 and under.

Come on out on April 25 and enjoy a day of hanging with community members, watching children’s smiles grow, seeing Clyde’s amazing critters, and of course, enjoying the art all around you.