NORWAY — For the last two years, the annual Norway Music and Arts Festival (NMAAF), always held on the second Saturday in July, has been sorely missed by community members, businesses, artists, volunteers, and local organizers. In 2019 this event brought roughly 120 creative vendors, over 30 performance artists, and thousands of patrons of every age to downtown Main Street in Norway. Local non-profit Creative Norway excitedly announced in early May this year that the arts would once again fill downtown Main St. on Saturday, July 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The NMAAF is one of the only events in Norway that closes a portion of the busy Main St. down for festival-goers, with the street blocked off at King Street and Whitman Street. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., people of all ages roam vendor booths and businesses alike, the absence of cars creating a unique and family-friendly atmosphere filled with art, music, color, and vibrant community.

What once began as a sidewalk art showing in 1967 has now evolved into a “full-spectrum” and vibrant showcase of the arts. With 3 unique performance stages, festival attendees can enjoy dance performances in Longley Square Park, a variety of unique musicians at the main music stage near the Norway Savings Bank call center, and theater performances from local troupes near Cafe Nomad. The arts festival will also feature installments from various artists, curated by local art gallery Lights Out, live art and roving performers, and a colorful parade at noon around the length of the closed-off street.

“Our intention is that there is something at the arts festival for everyone to enjoy”, says Jess Cooper, Norway resident and Executive Director of Creative Norway. “We want to represent as many different artistic paths as possible while supporting local creators of all kinds, and curating a colorful and unforgettable experience for anyone who comes to this event.”

Cooper was a core volunteer/organizer for both the 2018 and 2019 Art Festivals and over the last three years, her work has largely shifted to building up the arts and creative community in Norway through her position as ED of Creative Norway. She claims that this event is what finalized her decision to become a resident of Norway.

The return of the NMAAF is a positive beacon of hope for many local artists who have struggled during the pandemic without many of the usual in-person opportunities to share their work and connect to each other and the community. Several local sponsorships have supported the growth of the arts festival and in turn, helped to create opportunities for local performers and artists. Creative Norway thanks Norway Savings Bank, Oxford Federal Credit Union, Norway Downtown, Dirigo Federal Credit Union, Renewal by Anderson, and WOXO.

To learn more about the sponsors and to access more information about this event, follow the Norway Music and Arts Festival page on Facebook, go to www.nmaaf.org, or email creativenorwayme@gmail.com to learn more, volunteer, or apply to become a vendor.

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.