Downtown Edmond Arts Festival Returns This Weekend

More than 140 artists from 12 states will be showcasing their talents in oil, acrylic, watercolor, jewelry, pottery and photography at the 44th edition of the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival this weekend.

Sponsored by the merchants of the Downtown Edmond Business Association, this year's event includes free shuttle service from the University of Central Oklahoma.

“We often heard of visitors frustrated with the lack of close parking, especially from parents of young children and those with mobility issues,” said Michelle Schaefer, Arts Festival co-chair. “We want to make it easy for anyone to be able to attend without worrying about walking several blocks in the heat and wind.”

Visitors can park at one of two designated lots on campus on the west side of 1st and University, and enjoy a three-minute ride to just a half block from the arts festival. The shuttle will run every 15 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 1.

There will be a special area on First Street for artisans, showing their skills in leather, wood, resin, glass, metal and fabric. Additional artists will be located in the Hargrove building parking lot, next to the city's Utility Office.

Down First Street at the Festival Marketplace, there are an assortment of fun and games. Look for a large tent to find many children’s activities, such as face painting and craft projects, and visits from a variety of superheroes and princesses.

There also will be a High Striker ("strongman") carnival game, a photo booth and a first-aid station, plus a giant game area where one can play on a 16-square-foot chessboard with 3-foot tall chess pieces, or play a game of giant checkers or Connect 4. Stacking blocks, giant dominoes, a ring toss, cornhole, two free throw games and an 8-foot piano keyboard add to the fun.

At the covered pavilion, local school choirs, dance groups and singers will perform. Friday night, there will be a concert with Edgar Cruz and the Brave Amigos, and Saturday night will feature R&B band Shortt Dogg.

For more information, go to www.downtownedmondok.com, or the arts festival Facebook page @DowntownEdmondArtsFestival.