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The arts will take over downtown Altoona this Saturday with the third annual Blair Creators Festival, showcasing everything from ceramics to wire jewelry to crocheted clothing. The event is hosted by ArtsAltoona and Penn State Altoona Sheetz Fellows.
"This year's festival features over 80 vendors, including 12 food and drink vendors, three kids and family and kids activities, and over 60 artists and small businesses selling unique creations," said Leah Klevan, administrative director at ArtsAltoona.
Attendees will be able to browse stalls displaying home decor, paintings, seasonal gifts, original artwork and more, according to a release. They will also have a variety of food and drink trucks to pick from, including Smokin' J's, Matty's Subs, Tabbycakes Bakes and Woody Lodge Winery.
For families, activities for children will be available, along with an area where they can make their own stuffed animal or visit an alpaca petting zoo.
Additional proceeds from fundraising at the festival will benefit both ArtsAltoona and the Blair Creators Festival, helping them "continue to host community events in the future," according to the release.
There will also be live music played by eight local bands including The Zuds, Hardtack, Toy, Hot Fudge Mondaes, Bad Luck Lover Boys, The Jaded Lips, The Pines and Sweet Desire. The Arc of Blair County will give several small performances throughout the day as well.
The first Blair Creators Festival was held in 2022, and it has only grown since then, Klevan said.
"After the first year, we learned a lot and came back the second year with a lot of improvements and the festival grew from about 20 vendors to over 70," she said.
The organizers' goal from the start was to have the festival highlight local talent in the arts, Klevan said.
"We want to give our community something to be proud of and look forward to year after year, as well as highlighting all of the talent in our area," she said.
If you go
What: Third Annual Blair Creators Festival
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: The Heritage Plaza in downtown Altoona, 11th Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets and the Amtrak lot. Music will be played on the Rail Car Stage.
Parking: 11th Avenue Parking Garage at 1225 11th Avenue, Heritage Plaza parking lot at 1501-15 11th Avenue, Yellow Lot at 1400-36 12th Avenue, Penn State Red Lot at 1427-31 13th Avenue and Penn Building Lot at 1432-36 11th Avenue.
Admission: Free