After being on hiatus since March, Williamsburg’s 2nd Sundays Art & Music Festivals are making a comeback starting this weekend.
But the festival will look a little different this time around.
Shirley Vermillion, event organizer and creator, said there are some operational changes to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines.
“People need to have art and music in their life,” she said.
Because of the street closure on Prince George St.reet to accommodate local restaurants with outdoor space, the festival will take place further down North Boundary Street, going all the way down to the Stryker building. The lawn in front of the community building will serve as the main stage for music performances.
Musical performers featured this weekend include Testiphy, Paper Aliens, Jacob-Vanko, and Chris Krehbiel and Joe B. Jones.
Vendors’ tents will also be spaced out six feet apart and on one side of the street in order to reduce congestion, or “long and skinny” as Vermillion described it.
Guests are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings while attending the festival. Vermillion added hand sanitizer will be readily available through the festival.
She also encourages people to bring their own chairs if they wish to be more comfortable while watching the musical performances.
And since it’s a darker out a little earlier, the festival is now happening from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. instead of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
So why the long wait for the festival?
The last 2nd Sunday was back on March 8, right before the COVID-19 shutdowns. Vermillion said they just got a permit issued last Friday for the festival, including new regulations because of COVID-19.
In a non-COVID year, the festival typically runs March to December. Vermillion said she hopes they’ll have the festival once a month, with January and February off.
And while the selection of vendors will be smaller than usual, Vermillion reassured the selection of personal crafts will still be worth viewing.
Among the vendors will be local Italian artist Gaetano “Nino” Galoppo with his painted ceramic flowers, along with many other artisans and craftsmen.
NOSH and Don Chido food trucks will be there as well, in case you’re hungry.
And what’s a festival without Tim Nolan juggling and William the Conjurer performing some magic tricks?
Williamsburg 2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival will kick off this Sunday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., presented by LoveLight Placemaking. The event is free.
To view more information about the festival and upcoming events, visit the 2nd Sundays Williamsburg Art & Music Festivals Facebook page.
“What a great day it will be to enjoy some creativity and culture in the downtown,” Vermillion said.
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