The courthouse plaza is a hub of activity for the annual Pennsy Trail Art Fair & Music Festival.
Daily Reporter file photo
Editor’s note: With the Pennsy Trail Art Fair & Music Festival coming up this weekend, the Daily Reporter checked in with Kim Hall to learn about the history of the event and what to expect this year. Hall is the executive director of Mental Health Partners of Hancock County. The event is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at the Hancock County Courthouse Plaza and American Legion Place.
Daily Reporter: How long has the Pennsy Trail Art Fair & Music Festival been a tradition?
Kim Hall: The Pennsy Trail Art Fair & Music Festival began in 1998. The festival is the only fundraiser for Mental Health Partners of Hancock County. We also consider this our way of giving back to the community by providing an event with entertainment, food and art for all ages of attendees. The festival began at the now Depot Street Park and on the Pennsy Trail. The Pennsy Trail was new and not as popular as it is now. The festival grew with vendors and attendees and was moved to the current location, Courthouse Plaza and American Legion Place in 2016. The Pennsy Trail is now heavily used and the festival was moved away from the trail to ensure safety of everyone.
DR: How has the festival grown?
KH: The festival has grown significantly. In 2015, we only had maybe 30 vendors total. This year, we have over 60 art vendors, 6 food trucks.
DR: What kind of entertainment will be available?
KH: Entertainment begins at 9 a.m. with Willow Branch Band playing until 10:30. Denver Crull will be playing 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. Hearts Ablaze Cloggers will be performing on the street at noon. Occasional Blues Band will be playing 1-2:30 p.m. Cavalear will play 3-5 p.m. The day will end with the Ducky Derby Raffle at 5 p.m. Try your luck and buy a rubber duck. Ducks are placed in the Gazebo Fountain and drawn out for prizes. Participants must be 18 or over. We have an assortment of prizes including Kings Island tickets, to a variety of museum tickets.
DR: What kind of vendors will be downtown?
KH: We have six food trucks. Dalforno Pizza has brick oven fired pizza. JM Sweet Shack offers deep fried Snickers. Cast Iron Grill will be offering tenderloins and a variety of fried foods. LILMAR is offering Pork shish kabobs, fried rice and a variety of choices. Also in attendance is Pops Kettle Corn and Kona Ice. We have authors, painters, pottery, photographers, jewelry – all kinds of art to choose from.
DR: How does this benefit Mental Health Partners?
KH: This year, proceeds will benefit our Student Counseling Assistance Program – SCAP. This program provides financial assistance for kids to attend mental health counseling.
DR: What do you enjoy most about the festival?
KH: My favorite part of the festival is seeing all of the different talents that are there. I have a difficult time choosing what to buy. I do tend to buy a lot at the Pennsy Festival!
Enjoy the day shopping at the art booths, enjoy some food and listen to great entertainment. Help support the community by attending!
