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Ferrando said he hopes changing the location creates more excitement in the center of the shopping, arts and entertainment district in the city’s revitalized downtown.
“Hamilton, Fairfield and Springboro have seen a rebirth and so has Middletown,” said Ferrando, who noted several bars, restaurants and boutiques have opened downtown.
Ferrando said the festival will feature numerous art displays, musical acts and food trucks. It’s all about celebrating the city’s diversity, he said.
“It’s time to bring new life to the festival,” he said.
He said art comes to life in a variety of ways. He said the “most unique and creative artists” across Cincinnati and Dayton will display art “like you’ve never seen it before.”
Handcrafted fine artisans and vendors will line the street along Central Avenue. Ferrando said there will be a variety of award winning food trucks, live art demonstration chalk artists, face painting, free make-and-take activity stations, and a diverse lineup of live professional musicians on stage performing throughout the day in the heart of the event at Governors Square.
Some of the artists include Dole Designs (jewelry), Art by Creekmore (portraits), Domestic Divas (quilts), Jill’s Rocks & Whatnot, JoTi Soy Candles and Melts; Tim Langenderfer (paintings), Neusole Glassworks and Simply Divine Creations by Walter Podmore.
The musical lineup includes everything from electric violin to country to Indie rock.
He believes the festival can only add the energy already felt in the downtown.
“I love the opportunity,” Ferrando said about his first year as chairman. “This is my puzzle piece to the bigger picture. It’s time to celebrate the rich history of the city and to look forward to the future.”
HOW TO GO:
WHAT: 6th annual Port Middletown Arts Festival
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 14
WHERE: Central Avenue, downtown Middletown
HOW MUCH: Free. Food and art work will be sold.
MUSICAL LINEUP: 10 a.m.: Noele, electric violin; 11 a.m.: Josh and Dusty Lee, classic/southern; noon: The Cheryl & Short Show, blues; 1 p.m.: American Idol contestant Alexis Gomez, country; 2 p.m.: Slow Glows, shoegaze/rock; 3 p.m.: XL42, pop; 4 p.m.: Knotts, Indie rock.
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