Sidewalk Art Festival

BANGOR – The 17th annual WLBZ 2 Sidewalk Art Festival is set to dazzle viewers on Saturday, Aug. 5. More than 100 professional artists from throughout New England have been accepted for participation, and Bangor’s downtown expects more than 20,000 visitors.

The event is Bangor’s largest and most celebrated one-day art festival, organized and administered by WLBZ 2.

The festival is held along Broad Street and the pedestrian walkway over the Kenduskeag Stream leading into Merchants’ Plaza. Streets hosting artists will be closed to vehicular traffic to provide a peaceful, safe and enjoyable environment.

As in years past, there will be thousands of works for sale at every price, including watercolors, oils, acrylics and photography.

Select from original works or prints; browse the fine crafts, including jewelry and ceramics.

A map of the festival and a list of participating artists are available online at www.WLBZ2.com. Visitors may also browse the online Gallery of Artists, a slideshow providing a sample of the works of a selection of this year’s artists.

The WLBZ 2 Sidewalk Art Festival is a professionally judged show. Each participating artist may designate one work for consideration. Four cash prizes are awarded. The WLBZ 2 Sidewalk Art Festival is sponsored by Open MRI of Maine.

Bangor State Fair

BANGOR – Gov. John E. Baldacci officially cut the ribbon on the Bangor State Fair Friday afternoon at Bass Park.

“The Bangor State Fair is a tradition in Bangor,” said the governor. “I have fond memories of this fair – the rides, the food, the entertainment and the agriculture are all staples of this Eastern Maine tradition.”

Baldacci put a special emphasis on the importance of agriculture at the fair, saying, “Throughout all the years, the Bangor State Fair has never lost sight of how agriculture-friendly the state is.”

He continued, “Our natural resources and our agricultural base remains strong, and it can and will remain a vibrant part of our economy.”

After the ribbon cutting, the governor took a tour of the fairgrounds with Bass Park Director Mike Dyer. The Bangor State Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 6.

Updates on the fair schedule appear daily in the Bangor Daily News.