Toronto Festival of the Arts returns

TORONTO GEARS UP FOR FESTIVAL — The Toronto Festival of the Arts is preparing to hold its 46th-annual event Aug. 31-Sept. 1 at the city gazebo on Third Street. The tradition includes dozens of vendors selling items which include crafts and household items. Foods will be sold at food trucks, local churches and by various organizations. Entertainment will be provided by a number of area residents, including singers and dancers. The festival is hosted by the nonprofit group Focus in Toronto.
— Contributed

TORONTO — It is a Gem City tradition.

An event which brings together an entire town.

A way to support local vendors, local crafters.

It is a pastime that has been around for the last 45 years.

And in a few short weeks, this two-day, outdoor event will make that No. 46.

In scenic downtown Toronto, those involved with Focus in Toronto are working to complete the final preparations for the annual Festival of the Arts celebration.

The local nonprofit organization announced this year’s festival will take place Aug. 31-Sept. 1 at the city’s Gazebo Commons. Tents, canopies and booths will be erected on the grounds around the First Presbyterian and Riverview United Methodist churches and areas along North Third and Main streets.

As in years past, the event will be offering a diverse variety of handmade arts and crafts. There will be live entertainment and an array of foods for patrons to select from.

Brenda Cich is the founder and president of Focus in Toronto. She explained how the festival has made its mark on the community these last 46 years.

“We host the festival each year to keep the tradition alive,” Cich commented. “There is nothing more ‘Toronto’ than the annual art festival. It’s part of the soul of the city. After organizing the festival for the past 17 years, I’m sure it has become a part of me, as well. It’s near and dear to my heart and keeping it alive and thriving is important to me.”

Preparing months in advance, Focus in Toronto members stated its vendors always offer a wonderful selection of arts and crafts for the public.

“The possibilities are endless when you step into the world of imagination and creativity,” members said, noting some of the available items will range from “primitive wood crafts to intricate, handmade jewelry to wonderfully-scented handmade candles.”

There are also different styles of wooden yard decorations in which households can show their support for their favorite sports team.

“Whether you’re here to find your favorite vendors, or just enjoy looking around, you are sure to find something that you like,” those in the group commented.

Once again, the festival will offer several food vendors on site for visitors to frequent when they are hungry. In the rear of the church, Toronto Band Parents set up a tent and offer several homemade items for patrons to purchase, including hot dogs, tacos in a bag, sloppy joes, haluski and other sandwiches and sides.

Organizers said they value the opportunity to keep the arts thriving. Supporting the Toronto High School band and its booth during the festival is one way the community can show their support, as well.

Festival-goers who are looking for a way to cool off from the summer heat can visit one of the lemonade stands or purchase a flavored shaved ice from its vending truck.

In addition to the food trucks and the band’s booth, the Riverview United Methodist Church will once again be selling a selection of homemade foods and desserts inside the church basement. Customers are able to sit and dine inside the air-conditioned downstairs dining area. Access can be granted through the back door, located in the alleyway.

“There will be everything from cheeseburgers to meatball sandwiches to french fries,” organizers announced. “We guarantee you will find something to fill you up.”

Julie Ault serves as the vice president of Focus in Toronto. She also is a board of education member for the city. Ault stated she looks forward to the festival all year long.

“I most enjoy seeing the different types of vendors and what they have to offer,” she said, noting there are different vendors who participate each year.

“I enjoy reconnecting and conversing with our longtime vendors, as well,” Ault continued.

She mentioned that some of the festival’s vendors have been attending for several years, including the owners of Buena Vista Honey Farms, Joe and Suzan Kovaleski.

The locally-produced honey business based in Steubenville is proud to lie within the heart of Jefferson County, according to its signage — which is prominently displayed across the front of their tent at every festival.

The Kovaleskis do more than just sell honey in various flavors of the season, however.

Their bee business affords them the opportunity to make honey candy and all types of beeswax candles. These items, honey sticks and more will be available at the Kovaleski’s booth during the festival.

The Toronto Lions Club is another participant which attends the festival annually.

The club sells its popular chicken dinners in styrofoam to-go boxes, allowing people to either take the meal home or eat at one of the tables set up in the food court area.

This particular sale is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year, officials commented. Those volunteering to work the event noted they sell hundreds of dinners during the two-day festival.

Proceeds raised are put back into helping those throughout the community through various projects. Lions officials previously noted they have been doing their chicken dinner fundraiser since the festival’s inception — and before then, the sales were conducted during the city’s annual Labor Day celebration.

“I also look forward to our new vendors and seeing what they can bring to the table,” Ault stated.

There are usually a few new vendors which participate every year, she said.

Organizers announced there is still room for any craft or food vendor who wants to take part in this year’s event.

Applications are still being accepted for those interested and can be found online by visiting the website FocusinToronto.com.

“While you’re browsing through the booths and eating delicious food, make sure to kick back and enjoy our live entertainment,” organizers said.

Entertainment this year will include performances by live bands, area vocalists and a selection of various performers.

In years past, there have been students reading poetry, dancers and selections played by the Toronto High School band.

“We aim to offer a diverse selection of performances to meet everyone’s entertainment needs,” Ault added. “Once our lineup is complete it will be listed on our Facebook page.”

Those involved with Toronto in Focus addressed those throughout the Ohio Valley, saying whether it is browsing the many different styles of crafts or wanting a specific type of food — from fudge to freeze-dried candies — or simply wanting to enjoy some live entertainment, the 46th-annual Festival of the Arts is the place to be this summer.

Being able to create an event in which families and friends can get together and enjoy what the Gem City has to offer is the goal of its organizers.

“Focus in Toronto keeps the focus in Toronto,” they said.

Linda Beckett serves as the treasurer of Focus in Toronto. She, too, is expecting this year’s event to be a success — especially because of the number of people who will be visiting the city.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the community coming together to celebrate the all-school reunion, while shopping and mingling around the festival,” Beckett commented.

The Toronto High School All-School Reunion will be happening in conjunction with the Festival of the Arts. As a result, officials are anticipating an increased number of people in attendance this year.

Hike Toronto will be providing shuttle service for a small fee, throughout the day on Aug. 31. The shuttle will pick up and drop off at the Clarke Hinkle Stadium parking lot.

“Proceeds from the festival help us to help many people each year,” Cich concluded. “That is probably the one thing I am most proud to be a part of and the biggest reason I continue to do what I do.”

Hours for the Toronto Festival of the Arts will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 31 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 1.

For the latest and most up-to-date information, visit the festival’s Facebook page and hit the “like” button.