WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — A celebration of art in all its forms got underway Thursday in downtown Wilkes-Barre—the 68th Fine Arts Fiesta.
Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre is jam-packed with vendors from all over the country creating, displaying, and selling their original works. There is everything from watercolors to prints to sculptures and jewelry.
Not only is their art in physical form but there are performances happening on the stage throughout the four days.
This year’s creative theme is “Peace of Art.”
On Thursday morning, performances included some of our youngest local artists and some high school students from Wyoming Valley West's chamber orchestra.
"For the crowd to get excited and to listen to our music and enjoy it because that's important," said violinist Kristen Griffiths.
The grills are going at dozens of food stands circling the square. The Irem Temple Shriners are frying up a coveted local staple—200 gallons of batter will go into making nearly 8,000 potato pancakes over the next four days.
Even the smallest festival goers enjoy what the fine arts have to offer.
'They love face paint. They couldn't wait to get here. They were looking at pictures online of what they wanted done," Rebecca Petrochko said.
The concert headliner for the Fine Arts Fiesta is Michael Glabicki and the Rusted Root Uprooted Trio. The rock and soul artists will perform a free concert on Public Square on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Fine Arts Fiesta continues through Sunday. Check the website for a full schedule of events and a list of participating artists and vendors.
Parking and traffic restrictions are in place for the four-day event. More information on parking is posted here.