More exhibits - including a petting zoo, a magician and a climbing wall - will be aimed at children.
By ALEX SCHELLDORF
Published May 23, 2003
BROOKSVILLE - Organizers of this year's Hernando County Art, Craft and Music Festival, which takes place this weekend at Tom Varn Park, are aiming to make it more of a family event.
The festival, now in its 19th year, moved to Brooksville from Masaryktown two years ago to accommodate growing crowds. On nearly 80 acres, art connoisseurs and amateurs from around the area will flock to showcase their works. The festival is looked upon as a finale of the art show season in Florida.
More than $5,000 dollars in prizes will be awarded in several categories: fine arts, fine crafts, best of show, best display and crafts.
The 2003 version of the festival will feature many more exhibits targeted at children, including a petting zoo and a magician. Other additions are a climbing wall, a bungee jump, an airplane ride, bumper boats and a train that will circle the trails at the park.
"We are trying to make this into an event the whole family can attend," said event organizer David Weinman of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, the festival's sponsor.
Tony Covell, director of the children's portion of the festival, said the goal is to "attract the family group."
"We would like to see everybody out there bring their kids," Covell said.
As in years past, there will be food booths scattered throughout the park, including kettle corn, barbecue, fried grouper and ice cream.
In addition to the food, live music is an integral part of the festival.
"We like to give the community something fun to do," said Karen Kettner, director of music, who will perform a jazz routine at noon Saturday.
Other performers include pop-country artists North 2 South, jazz guitarist Paul Price and a dance troupe known as the Step Sisters.
This year's festival, which runs two days, is expected to draw more than 20,000 people.
"We're just trying to put on a show that the people will enjoy," Weinman said.
If you go
WHAT: Hernando County Art, Craft and Music Festival, sponsored by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Tom Varn Park, Brooksville. The park is off W Jefferson Street (State Road 50A), west of downtown.
