WaterFire Sharon, PA, has announced the themes that will accompany its three event dates for 2016: Saturday July 16: “Through the Decades,” August 20: Artists at Work” and September 24: “Destination Imagination.” This will be the fourth season “WaterFire Sharon” will be held in Sharon.
“The themes are selected with participation from the artist community, volunteers, and the board. They help plan each event fresh – a totally new experience. Tapping into themes allows the artists, vendors and musicians the ability to cater to the nuances inherent in the theme. For example, ‘Artists at Work’ may inspire more artists to demo their range of talents while WaterFire attendees watch. ‘Destination Imagination’ may speak to an enhanced children’s area and day’s event focused on more thoughtful, creative activities that spur imagination. Of course, ‘Through the Decades’ can speak to a variety of work, foods and entertainment tied to decades of history, and recalling our own local history. Who doesn’t enjoy variety in style and music – from the 50’s, 70’s and more?” said Alane Jewel, Secretary of WaterFire and Social Media Director. “As an artist, I think these themes will create excitement and help offer a greater depth of experience, for the artists and vendors, as well as, the festival attendees.”
“WaterFire Sharon” was introduced during the summer of 2013 in downtown Sharon, with more than 50 braziers placed in the Shenango River and fired with cedar and pine. After a full day of an arts and music festival, the evening activities commence with a ceremonial lighting of the braziers, which are tended to and remain burning until midnight. The music festival continues throughout the evening by featuring live entertainment on an indoor stage and several outdoor stages.
“Last year’s ‘WaterFire Sharon’ events drew approximately 60,000 visitors into downtown Sharon,” said WaterFire’s Board Chairman, Karen Winner Sed. “It’s a winning combination: the arts, economic development, and community building. Something everyone in the area should be proud of.”
WaterFire is an artistic endeavor that was created by artist Barnaby Evans in Providence R.I. in the early 1990’s. Evans created an evening event that would bring people into the downtown Providence to see lit braziers in the river.
“Bringing this to Pennsylvania was a major undertaking. It could not happen without the hundreds of volunteers, the financial support of many donors and significant sponsors, the Visitors Bureau, the City’s help and cooperation, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, namely the Tourism Office in DCED,” added Sed. “For decades we’ve asked ourselves what we could do with the river running through downtown Sharon. WaterFire has been one creative and exciting answer. We are one of the very few places in the world it can be experienced. We’re asking everyone who can help us with financial support or volunteer time to do so. We need help on all fronts to make this season the best it can possibly be. Don’t hesitate to volunteer wondering what it is you can help with. If you’re interested, we will find the right place for you; something you’ll enjoy with new people to meet along the way.“
As part of the Community Foundation, all financial contributions to “WaterFire Sharon” are tax deductible. For more information on how to financially support “WaterFire Sharon” or to learn more about the many, varied volunteer opportunities, please contact Karen Anderson, Land Operations Manager of WaterFire, at 724-981-5882 x111.
