Juno Award-Winning Artist Paul James to Perform at Port Hope Arts Festival, August 11
The Port Hope Arts Festival returns this summer and the much anticipated musical lineup has been announced, featuring exceptional local talent from Tanya Wills, Ted Staunton, Emily Burgess, and Juno award winning artist Paul James, scheduled to take the stage in Memorial Park on Saturday, August 11, rounding out a full day of art and cultural activities and programs.
“Arts Festival is one of the highlights of the summer,” notes Bob Sanderson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “It’s a terrific festival that weaves together art, culture, local food and family fun; exactly the kind of cultural event that we aim to host here in the Municipality of Port Hope.”
The outdoor, free event is marking its 15th anniversary this summer and is a celebration of art, agriculture and community. The art and farm vendor market reflects a colourful mix of Northumberland County’s culture and will showcase the diverse talents and products of local and regional artists. The Saturday Farmers’ Market vendors will be open for extended hours and shoppers can expect to find a wide range of handmade original products and their favourite local food options well into the afternoon.
Food vendors, community displays and activity stations will be set up in Memorial Park from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and a selection of interactive experiences awaits guests of all ages, with a variety of activities available for youth.
A highlight of the day will be the musical guests set to take the stage in Memorial Park, including Paul James. For close to five decades, Paul James’ talents as a guitarist, vocalist, producer and songwriter have made him a Canadian cultural icon. He is a Juno Award Winner and a Maple Blues Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for Blues in Canada and has performed with Bob Dylan, Bo Diddley, and Mink DeVille.
The Port Hope Arts Festival highlights include: The vendor market, open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., featuring 40 artisan vendors, plus offerings from the usual weekly Farmers’ Market vendors.
Live musical performances from the bandshell, by a selection of local favorites including:Tanya Wills from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.Ted Staunton from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Emily Burgess & Kim Doolittle from 12:10 p.m. to 1:10 p.m.Paul James from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Critical Mass Art will be transforming a portion of Memorial Park into a giant blanket fort and encourages the contribution of imaginative play and design.
Green Wood Coalition will be onsite and invites folks to try their hand at making and hanging some origami cranes.
Staff from the Northumberland Child Development Centre will host a booth where patrons can try painting with vegetables.
Local horticultural experts will be on site with the Port Hope Garden Club display, and will be selling garden decorations, miscellany & plants.
Poppity Pop Pop Popcorn, Ruby’s Cotton Candy and the Knights of Columbus BBQ will be serving up fresh summer treats.
The Parks, Recreation & Culture Department is hosting crafts and games for youth and the young at heart!
For more details about the Port Hope Arts Festival, visit porthope.ca/events/port-hope-arts-festival.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
