With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to evolve unpredictably and in accordance with state guidance on large gatherings, the Danville Business Alliance (DBA) is deeply saddened to announce that the 2020 41st Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, held annually in downtown Danville on the first Saturday in September, will be canceled this year. The festival had been set for September 5, 2020.
The event, which spans Mill Street, Lower Mulberry Street and part of E. Mahoning Street, features handmade jewelry and crafts, upcycled wooden furniture, handmade toys, children’s face-painting, fashion accessories, fine arts and photography, soaps, beauty items, and more. It also creates an opportunity to explore the diverse downtown businesses on Mill Street.
The DBA Board of Directors has concluded that at this time, the risk is too high in having such a large gathering. Each year, the festival draws in close to 150 vendors and about 3,000 visitors from all over the region, and under the current guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health limiting outdoor events to 250 people, we are unable to host the event. Our primary concern is preserving the safety of our attendees, vendors, local communities, and staff.
The Fall Arts & Crafts Festival’s cancellation follows the postponement of other significant local happenings, like the Spring Fling, Taste of the Nations, Danville Heritage Festival, and the Danville Health Alliance Health Fair. It is our sincere hope we’ll be able to celebrate these fairs and festivals with everyone in 2021.