Connie Fenner is a local business owner, community connector, and proud breast cancer survivor. She’s committed to supporting orgs that bring people together to create healthier communities, including powering our Go See This series this season. ClydeFEST 2024 is here to delight children of all ages, and we invite you to Go See This . . .
ClydeFEST is back and bigger than ever! This Sunday, April 14, Chatham Arts Council’s homegrown folk arts festival springs up on the East Lawn of the Chatham County Agricultural & Conference Center, promising rollicking fun for the whole family. Named after Clyde Jones, renowned folk artist and local legend, this beloved event has been a staple in the community calendar for more than two decades. ClydeFEST honors his legacy of creativity and joy by planting Critters and kids at the center of the action, and from there, the field blooms with new and familiar offerings. The festivities will kick off at Noon and go until 5:00 p.m., with a lineup of exciting performances, art exhibitions, interactive arts activities and games, and delicious food!
Come out and enjoy a full day of free entertainment. A diverse lineup of music, dance, and theatrical performances is slated to light up the stage with top-notch local talent. From the toe-tappin’ tunes of Carolina Lightnin’ to the enchanting melodies of Deepti Sitar, each act promises to captivate and inspire. Takiri Folclor Latino will return to make the lawn come alive with their iconic multicolored skirts and exuberant twirls. Don’t miss the interactive workshop with the Apple Chill Cloggers and the high-energy drumming of Diali Cissokho—it’s sure to get your heart thumping and toes tapping!
Brand new this season, the Chatham Arts Council challenged local artists to reflect back to us who we were, who we are, and who we want to be through the JumpstART Commissions initiative. Ten artists will present works inspired by “The Locals,” residents both past and present, like George Moses Horton, Clyde Jones, Mary Nettles, and Pam Smith, who make up the vibrant fabric of Chatham County. Join us in celebrating the creative endeavors of your neighbors Emily Anderson, JR Butler, Tanja Lipinski Cole, Robin Hall and Anna Ferrin, Sharon Hill, Dawn Landes, Nikolai Lujan, Alexander Percy, and Jordan Wiley.
Tanja Lipinski Cole can’t wait to share her installment in “The Locals” exhibit: “The medium I’ve chosen (mixed media meets goddess) and my local muse for this project, Pam Smith, go so incredibly perfect together. Their eclectic styles, bold colors and patterns, twists and turns on the canvas, layers of personality, and all the wildness in between mesh together to create a one-of-a-kind piece showcasing Pam and all that she is!” In true ClydeFEST tradition, each JumpstART artist will also offer an interactive arts activity inspired by their local muse. Kids and grown-ups are encouraged to join in the poetry-writing, seed planting, sculpture-naming, and costume-wearing! “The part of the weekend that I’m MOST looking forward to is the top secret interactive part with the people who stop by my spot,” says Tanja. “Everyone gets to be an artist because everyone IS an artist!”
And there are plenty more ways for adults and little ones to have their own artistic adventures. Join Peter Loose for a hands-on art session and visit booths led by amazing nonprofits and fabulous local businesses to paint, stitch, move, glue, and bead. Explore a multitude of artful, handmade games, play in a world of bubbles with Geoffrey the Bubble Guy, master the art of hula hooping with Karen’s Hula Hoops, and marvel at Ubi the Clown’s balloon creations, all while sporting celebratory face paint—it’s artistry in motion! As always, the kiddos will have a chance to create their very own painted Critter Cut-out to take home.
When the family gets hungry, pause to indulge in a delectable array of culinary delights from our food truck partners. From Maple View‘s legendary ice cream to Kona Ice‘s customizable Italian ice creations to the beloved Larissa’s Sweet Treats, there’s no shortage of delicious options to satisfy your cravings. New additions like Simplee Boba teas promise refreshing alternatives that cater to every palate. Savory delights from Taco Paraiso, Merritt’s Grill, and Food by H&V are sure to light up taste buds and fuel the creative fire.
ClydeFEST is a great opportunity to connect with local organizations at more than twenty community booths, where you’ll discover a wealth of resources, products, and initiatives making a positive impact in our community. Stop by the booth of ClydeFEST’s amazing naming sponsor, Connie Fenner with State Farm, and say hello! Many of our sponsors will be representing their decorative Penguin Critter Cut-outs at The Rookery. Just like penguins, these folks are super loyal, and they understand the value of community!
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, ClydeFEST invites you to be part of a day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. Bring your family, bring your friends, and join us as we come together to celebrate the richness of our community and the boundless power of creativity. Please note: this event is rain or shine. We’ll see y’all there!
- The Short Version
- Who: Chatham Arts Council
- What: ClydeFEST 2024
- When: Sunday, April 14 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. RAIN OR SHINE!
- Where: Chatham County Agricultural and Conference Center
- 1192 US Hwy 64 West Business, Pittsboro
- Cost: Free!
- Parking: Parking available
- Accessibility: Accessible parking available
- For more info: https://www.chathamartscouncil.org/clydefest-2/
2023-24 Go See This Season Sponsor!
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