It’s not every day that the Chapel Hill Fire Department puts on a puppet show.
The show was one of many attractions at the town’s 37th annual Festifall on Sunday.
Seventy-five local artists, 20 musical acts and thousands of visitors flooded Franklin Street in a celebration of the community’s art culture.
“The community loves to celebrate art, and we have a rich art culture in Chapel Hill and Orange County,” said Wes Tilghman, supervisor for festivals and community celebrations in Chapel Hill.
“Its just a wonderful time to come out and enjoy beautiful weather and a great arts festival.”
The popularity of Festifall — Tilghman predicted a crowd of 10,000 — makes competition for booths tough.
“The artists are all selected by a jury,” Tilghman said. “Over 100 applications come in every year.”
The festival provided vendors like stained glass artist Jodi Bock a chance to showcase her work.
“It’s very well-planned,” she said of the event. “I don’t do too many shows, but this is a good one, one I’d do every year.”
The event included everything from pottery, bookbinding and jewelry, to face painting and fire safety training.
The fire department, in addition to the puppet show, passed out plastic red firefighter hats and pamphlets with fire safety tips at its booth.
“The kids love the little red helmets,” said Johnny Parker, assistant fire marshal.
Students with the East Chapel Hill High School art program showed children how to make pottery.
“We’re demonstrating techniques and letting kids make their own creations,” art student Catriona Harvey said.
In its 37 years, Festifall has become a tradition for artists and local group leaders.
Margaret Misch, a Carrboro resident representing the Orange County Peace Coalition, said she’s been part of Festifall since the 1990s.
Coalition members handed out fliers advocating the closing of Guantanamo Bay and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
Suzanne Lamport was new to Festifall. She recently relocated to Carrboro from New Hampshire and saw the event advertised in the paper.
“It’s a chance to look at some great crafts. I love all kinds of music, so this is good for me,” she said.
The variety of art, music and local organizations made the festival an event for everyone, Tilghman said.
“We wanted to make sure it represented our community,” Tilghman said.
“How often do you get to walk down the middle of Franklin Street?”
Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.
Festifall enjoyed by all in Chapel Hill
One of many attractions at the town’s 37th annual Festifall on Sunday.
