Historic Stage Fort Park along Gloucester Harbor will once again blossom into a colorful festival on Saturday, August 18, and Sunday, August 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.

A collection of over 175 juried artists and craftsmen from throughout the U.S. will display their unique creations. Live music and children’s activities take place throughout the festival, plus there will be a variety of delicious ethnic foods. The annual Rotary Club pancake breakfast on Saturday morning and the Cape Ann Chamber’s traditional New England Lobster Bake on Sunday afternoon complement this picture perfect seaport event!

Exhibits include fine jewelry, original watercolors, pottery, custom tile signs, bird houses, quilts, silk and dried floral arrangements, wildlife art, dolls, pressed flowers, painted antiques, photography, candles, metal sculpture, intarsia, carved birds, maps, fiber arts, tapestry, stained glass, music boxes, scroll work, masks, copper, wood burning, slate, scarves, nautical crafts, aromatherapy, Native American art, soaps, Shaker style furniture, oil paintings, blown glass, Nantucket bags, scrollwork ornaments, tide clocks, pewter, stone lamps, fiber arts, doll clothes and accessories, primitive and folk art, and more.

The public is also invited to sample an array of gourmet delights such as herbal dips, trail mixes, jams and jellies, honey, dried fruit and nuts, salsa, mustards, vinegars, home-made fudge, and more.

Free live “family style” entertainment includes magic and puppet shows, as well as Celtic and Folk Music. Radio station North Shore 104.9 will be present on Saturday, August 18, while the North Shore Old Car Club will display over 50 antique/classic autos on Sunday.

The Festival will come to a stunning conclusion on Sunday with the appearance of the Re/Max hot air balloon from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Tethered rides will be available for a nominal donation to the Labor Day Fireworks Fund.

The Gloucester Waterfront Festival is sponsored by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. For a complete schedule of events visit www.CapeAnnVacations.com or www.WaterfrontFestivals.com. Admission is free. All day parking is available in Stage Fort Park for $10.