FIRST ANNUAL MANCHESTER ARTS FESTIVAL

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Division, is pleased to announce the first annual Manchester Arts Festival to be held on Saturday, July 26, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, July 27). The Festival will take place throughout the picturesque downtown area of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. Described more than a century ago by Henry C. Leach, as ”the little village by the sea [which] has become metropolitan in its habits and cosmopolitan as to population’, Manchester-by-the-Sea is part of Cape Ann, an area with a long and rich tradition of art appreciation and patronage. This quintessential New England coastal town, complete with its beautiful harbor views and growing retail trade, is also home to Singing Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The town, located on scenic route 127, will offer a unique venue for all to view high quality handmade fine arts and crafts. Included will be textiles, pottery, jewelry, apparel and accessories, garden ornaments, photography and paintings. The juried artists represent some of the best New England arts and crafts people. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the various artists’ booths located in the downtown area and in the parks adjacent to the harbor. All works will be for sale directly from the artists. Also, enjoy the local restaurants and browsing through the merchant shops, including other arts, antiques, books, clothing, bric a brac and more.

For more information, please go to the Festival website at www.capeannvacations.com/manchester-arts-festival.cfm, or contact the Chamber office at 978-283-1601 or co-chairs Chuck Hayback at Nor’east Frameworks (978-525-3322) or Joan White at Beach Street Studios (978-526-4833).