Concord's 2020 Capital Arts Fest To Be Held In-Person

CONCORD, NH — Sometimes, even in a pandemic, the show must go on.

And that is what the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen decided to do for its third Capital Arts Fest, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, on South Main Street in Concord.

The event, organizers said, would have the same look and feel as previous events, but steps were being taken to ensure both visitors and artists feel safe.

"When we surveyed our members, our first and only real concern was their health and safety, but we were overwhelmed with people who are excited to show their work and be able to do something safely in person," Miriam Carter, the executive director of the org, said. "We have worked out a blueprint to make sure everyone is spread out; we will follow all state and local guidance regarding the wearing of masks and make sure the foot traffic flow is safe and respects peoples' need to keep socially distant while inspecting the craft tents. I am confident in our plan and excited to bring our fair back to Concord's Main Street."

A number of blocks will be closed on South Main Street between the org's storefront and the Capitol Center for the Arts. More than 20 craftsmen will feature their work in tents, spaced and spread out along the street, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday.

Musical performances Saturday include Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki and Matt Jensen, who will perform traditional Celtic-folk music at 11 a.m., country-rockers Don Campbell Band at 1 p.m., The Rebel Collective, Concord's own Irish pub band, at 3 p.m., while Neighbor, a jam band, play at 7 p.m. On Sunday, indie rock Americana outfits Wellfleet performs at 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m., Young Frontier performs.

The music is sponsored by the William H. Gile Concert Series with support from the Helen Blake Gile Trust and the Capitol Center for the Arts.

"Our members are anxious to reconnect with customers, visitors and friends," Carter said, "and our plan will provide that wonderfully New England opportunity to enjoy the brisk fall weather, local artistic talent and a safe social platform."

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