By Cecilia Nasmith

The Port Hope Arts Festival returns Aug. 8 in modified form that nonetheless includes a virtual marketplace, art displays around town, a radio-broadcast play reading and more features designed to capture the essence of its long tradition in a way that can be enjoyed safely.

“After 17 years, the festival continues to draw creators from across the region to share their time, talents and creations with us,” Mayor Bob Sanderson said in the announcement.

“The annual Arts Festival really highlights the importance that culture, the arts and heritage play in Port Hope – it is integral to the fabric of our community.

“While the event is taking a new shape this year, there are ample opportunities to engage with art, agriculture and community that are accessible to all and allow for the festival to continue in a smart physically-distanced way.”

This includes an exciting line-up of music and art displays throughout the community, a play reading over our very own local radio, and a virtual marketplace where you can source and purchase director from the artists.

The Arts Festival has a long-standing tradition of interactive activities in Memorial Park. This year, families are invited to participate by following the chalk-paint recipe on the Arts Festival web page to add some colour to the neighbourhood. Share your creativity on your driveways and sidewalks, and share your creations on social media using the hashtag #porthope.

The Port Hope Farmers' Market will also be open as usual behind Town Hall, an open-air market offering the freshest seasonal vegetables, baked goods, preserves and more. Visitors are reminded to follow the directional signage posted and to use hand sanitizer upon both entering and existing the area.

Details of the event, including an interactive map of the virtual marketplace, can be found at porthope.ca/arts-festival.