MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The stage is set, and the lights are up in the Delaware Water Gap for the Celebration of the Arts. The festival got its start in 1978.
"We put on a two-day jazz festival. We do artisans on the street, food vendors, a children's area, and it's just two days of music," said Jenny Bogart, Celebration of the Arts President.
That music is a major part of this community's identity. It's home to the Deer Head Inn, which is the country's longest-running jazz club.
Volunteers with celebration of the arts are working on the finishing touches.
"Moving bass amps, drums, we have to move so many music stands; there's a lot that goes into the before so that once the musicians get here and the sound crews, we can just hand it over," said Erica Golaszewski, Stage Crew COTA Board Member.
Organizers say that with so many performers set to take this stage this weekend, if you think jazz really isn't your thing, you may be surprised.
"There are so many different styles of jazz. I know a lot of people think, oh, weather channel music, and that is not what we are. There are a lot of Grammy-nominated beautiful musicians that will be here," said Golaszewski.
"Some people don't realize that jazz is here. Some people have never experienced jazz, so for them to get to see it and learn what it is about, it's just a magical thing," said Bogart.
Organizers hope when people come out for the festival, they will also stop by area businesses that have been hit hard financially by the Route 611 closure.
"We hope it helps all of the businesses that are here, too. The Castle will be open, the shops will be open, Sycamore Grill will be open Deer Head, so I hope they benefit from us too," added Bogart.
The festival starts on Saturday. For more information, click here.