The Buckinghams to Play Highland Park Festival, Aug. 29th

Big crowds expected for Port Clinton Art Festival

August 25, 2009
By CHARLES BERMAN cberman@pioneerlocal.com

The renowned Port Clinton Art Festival returns this weekend highlighting an action-packed weekend on Central Avenue that also includes the Taste of Highland Park.

For the second consecutive year, the two popular Highland Park events will be held together and are expected to draw hundreds of thousands to the downtown business district for everything art and food.

The Taste kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday and runs through 6 p.m. Sunday on Central Avenue between First and Second streets. The Art Festival will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The festival is ranked the third best art show in the country, according to Leslie Schreiber of Winger Marketing. Founded and produced by Highland Park's Amdur Productions, the 26th annual outdoor show will feature all genres of art from more than 260 juried artists from around country.

"We are thrilled to once again bring these fine artists to Highland Park," said Amy Amdur, founder of Amdur Productions, in a news release.

"Art has the power to speak to you; it can elevate your mood and perspective. We want each of our guests to take that feeling home with them, whether it's with a new piece of art or the memory of a perfect summer's day."

Schreiber worried that she left out some of the art work that will be on display as she listed statues, ceramics, sculptures, watercolors, paintings, jewelry, photography, metals, furniture and woodwork, among the prized work available this weekend.

Artists 18 and under also will show their work in a youth division.

"We have very high-end, incredible integrity art," Schreiber said. "There's something for everybody."

For those in need of a food break, unique fare from 16 Highland Park eateries will line Central Avenue Friday through Sunday.

"We will have the best tastes of Highland Park," said Carolyn Hersch, the city's business and economic development director. "There will be sushi, sweets, burgers, pizza and gourmet foods.

"Last year, people didn't want to go home when the festival ended."

The Taste returned in full force last year after it was discontinued for many years.

"We brought it back last year for a huge end of the year celebration and to help drive business into our restaurants," Council member Terri Olian said. "It seemed to be a no-brainer to couple it with the Port Clinton Art Fair.

"It's so much fun to see everybody out on the streets eating, dancing and just enjoying Highland Park at its best."

The combo event won't lack entertainment as a full schedule of live music is also planned.

Musical acts from the entertainment stage at the Taste will include, Beatles tribute band American English, R-Gang, and The Buckinghams.

Acoustic band Cirrus Falcon, French guitarist Michelet Innocent, harpist Ariane Lydon and Highland Park's Traveling Troupe will play alongside the art show.

"It's going to be fun," Hersch said.

"There will be great food, art and entertainment. All in one place."

Full story at http://www.pioneerlocal.com/highlandpark/news/1734518,highland-park-artfesttaste-082709-s1.article

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