PORT MATILDA/CENTRE COUNTY, Pa — Last year, artists didn’t have a place to be with Artsfest and other local festivals cancelled because of the pandemic.
That was until Way Fruit Farm debuted their Art in the Orchard festival...and even with those festivals returning, it’s back yet again.
Even though those other festivals are back, the folks at Way Fruit Farm think this year will be bigger and better than the last.
Way Fruit Farm Co-Owner Jason Coopey says the festival has actually grown...and they credit more advanced planning.
“We actually have more vendors this year than we did last year," he stated. "I think last year was just so difficult that, you know, even finding vendors was hard. Plus, we only did once the other shows cancelled, so we only had nine weeks to plan it last year. This year, we had a whole year.”
Some local artists, like Annalise McMahon, say last year’s success made their decision to return easy.
“They have great music and everything. I was here last year and had great sales, so I was excited to come back,” she said.
Visitors say they were attracted by the setting and relaxed vibe.
“You can’t beat this, you’re not tripping over eight million people," said Roger Greene, who visited the farm on Thursday. "I mean, there’s a really good turnout but I mean like just the pace and the tempo, it’s just incredible.”
Coopey also offered competitive booth prices to attract artists.
“We’ve been able to make it very affordable for the artists to be here, so you don’t have to be a big artist selling really expensive stuff to still come and survive and make a little money,” he explained.
And vendors took notice.
“Yeah, it was definitely helpful to have the lower prices," McMahon remarked. "I get to make quite a bit more, I appreciate that a lot.
But for the kids who didn’t love the art, the petting zoo stole the show.
“It’s just fun to just come around, and have some fun,” one boy said.
“It’s actually really, really, really nice. I never thought I’d be able to say it but I’ve been licked by a bunny,” another boy said.
The festival runs through Saturday.
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