Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate than with an outdoor arts festival?
The annual Tabor City Arts Fest—with its live performances, food trucks, children’s activities, and art gallery/shop—has become a community staple. And now, after a hiatus in 2020 and modification in 2021 due to the pandemic, the Arts Fest is back at full strength on Friday, May 6th, under the leadership of parent volunteers Andrea Brueske and Amanda Whalen.
Organized by the Fine Arts Board of the Mount Tabor PTSA, the spring event first began as a way for arts students to showcase their talent for fellow Mount Tabor students and families, while also raising funds to support the program. The event has since grown into an annual opportunity for the award-winning program to enrich the whole community here in the City of Arts & Innovation.
Each year, people come to the Tabor City Arts Fest because they enjoy live performances and local art displays—even if they don’t have a connection to the school. Families bring their children for a fun evening outdoors with food and activities, or even to check out the Mount Tabor arts program as they consider high- school options. And many in the area simply attend the Arts Fest because they love experiencing the energy and community that is felt at events like this.
No matter what draws each person to the Arts Fest, there’s always something for everyone, with outdoor performances throughout the evening from Mount Tabor High School’s award-winning bands, vocal groups, dance team, and orchestra. And the festival kicks off and wraps up with a one-act theatre performance inside Tabor’s newly upgraded auditorium. In between performances, the visual art gallery is always a popular destination, as well as the art shop, which is stocked with a variety of student and local art and pottery for sale. This year, the visual art display will also feature a Senior Showcase, including many award-winning pieces.
But one of the great things about the Tabor City Arts Fest is that it’s not just about observing! Fun activities for kids abound, like creating spray art and learning a dance from members of the dance team, as well as face painting. And as attendees pick and choose what to experience throughout the evening, multiple local food trucks provide delicious fare! This year’s vendors include Marty’s BBQ and Que Viva! with Italian ice from Chilly Philly.
In addition to the extensive raffle of prizes donated by local businesses, there will also be $5 “chance bags,” containing treats and gift cards to local businesses and eateries. All the revenue generated from the event goes back into the fine arts program at Mount Tabor High School. So, whether you’re purchasing admission, “art bucks” for activities, raffle tickets or something from the art shop, your participation in this fun event supports arts students and faculty as they grow in their craft. The Arts Board is grateful to all the individuals and local businesses that have supported this event, especially to Express Oil Change, the lead sponsor of this year’s Tabor City Arts Fest.
Whether you’re a young family or an empty-nester (or anyone in between!) who loves the arts, come enjoy an evening of great food and entertainment, while also supporting the arts and young artists in the community! Go spARTans!
