If you love art, performing arts, fabulous food and the great outdoors, visit Harrisburg’s premiere cultural event, The Patriot News Artsfest, in downtown Riverfront Park Memorial Day weekend. It’s free and better than ever.

There’s too much to do in one day, so plan to visit the 31st annual arts festival each day. The festival will be open Saturday May 23rd from 10am to 7pm, Sunday May 24th from noon to 7pm, and Monday May 25th from 10am to 6pm. Since the festival’s move from the State Museum a few years ago, the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council has been honored as one of the top 50 art events in the nation. According to Sunshine Artist Magazine (a sort of bible for exhibiting artists nationwide), Harrisburg has become the talk among artists and craftsmen as “the show to do.” And not just anyone can exhibit at the festival. The vendor selection is a long, exhaustive process. But then again, that’s what makes the festival so good.

But, Artsfest isn’t just about looking at and buying great art, crafts, and photography. This year, the festival will not only host top-notch art and craft vendors, but will also showcase more than 50 free non-stop performances by local talent on three main stages in and around Kunkle Plaza, dubbed “Stars on the Plaza” and sponsored by Pepsi. This year’s great vendor and talent exhibition is made possible by the great relationship between the GHAC and the soon to be Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts opening in 1999.

Kunkle Plaza is a great place to start your visit to Artsfest. The plaza is the Artsfest main performance stage and information headquarters, where festival volunteers can answer questions and give you all the information you need to have a great time. Walking toward Forster Street, visitors can stop by the food court on the way to the park where UPN 15 will have MooUPN Kidsfest and Home Depot will showcase the all-new Home Depot Kids Workshop and Children’s Activity Center. While you’re there, help create the 93.5 WTPA and NICE 92.1 billboard; sign up to take a free Home Depot craft project; get creative with all of the activities in the Susquehanna Art Museum’s Creation Station; visit the Leukemia Society’s Cool Kids Crafts tent; or play bingo at the Harrisburg Park and Recreation’s Red, White and Blue Bingo Blast. MODE™ Magazine will also be on hand with an information booth at the Walnut Street Bridge.

When you’re done, stop by Stage II next to the historic Civic Club building for hours of free entertainment. And don’t forget the Whitaker Center’s Science Place, where you can meet science wizard Cliff, play with crazy contraptions, and learn all about the new Whitaker Center.

Artsfest isn’t just an outdoor thing, either. Inside the Waterworks Building in the lower level is the professional dance studio and home of the Nee Dance Company. Stop by the studio and check the schedule to see jazz, modern, tap and ballet performances throughout the weekend.

GHAC tries its hand at innovation every year, and this year is no exception. In conjunction with the Junior League of Harrisburg, GHAC will present the first annual Winefest, a wine tasting event to please even the pickiest of palates. Beside the scenic venue of the Susquehanna River, ten Pennsylvania wineries will entice visitors with samplings of their wares. Wine seminars will be held for first-timers and the most seasoned wine connoisseur. Seminar tickets are available from the Junior League and will be sold at the festival.

Several off-site locations will also participate in this year’s Artsfest. After making your rounds to all of the great art and craft vendors, be sure to visit MetroArts on Forster, the Art Association of Harrisburg and St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Front, and Market Square Presbyterian Church on Second. All will have entertainment that will delight festival goers.

Kids and adults alike will love the 31st annual Artsfest, which is sure to please the eye, the ear and the stomach. So mark your calendars for May 23-25 and pray for sunshine, because it’s about the only thing not already scheduled for this year’s event. For more information about the three day festival, call 238-5180.