Craft show will help support summer concert series

As the New Holland Summer Arts Program (NHSAP) plans for the 2023 season, organizers have lined up more than 20 concerts, with several musical acts that are new to the park venue. According to volunteer Sue Noll, performances will be held three times per week in the New Holland Community Memorial Park, located in the 400 block of Jackson Street in New Holland. Concerts will begin at 7 p.m., with the exception of the Saturday, Aug. 19, show, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. The series will kick off with the New Holland Concert Band on Tuesday, July 4. The rain date for that event will be Wednesday, July 5. Performances will conclude with the annual Labor Day Fiddler's Picnic on Monday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Funds to help support NHSAP are raised by the annual arts and crafts show sponsored by the organization. This year's show will be held in the park on Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Noll said organizers have lined up nearly 70 vendors for the rain-or-shine event. Among the vendors will be those selling crocheted items, jewelry, potted planters, wooden plaques, candles, glass garden art, handmade furniture, home decor, specialty soaps, pillows, paper crafts, wreaths, items for pets, leather crafts, ceramics, and two-dimensional fine art.

Coordinators have scheduled Meat the Browns to sell breakfast and lunch items, and Lickity Split will sell ice cream on-site. "We also have a coffee vendor coming this year," shared Noll.

Concerts lined up for this summer will include Swing Street on Sunday, July 9; the country music of Nathan Merovich on Sunday, July 23; and Across the Tracks bluegrass on Sunday, July 30. Groups that have performed at the park venue before will include The New Individuals, returning on Saturday, Aug. 5, and Mitch and the Mood Swings on Saturday, Aug. 19. All shows are free to the public. More information about NHSAP and a full concert schedule are available at http://www.newhollandsummerarts.com.

NHSAP has been a fixture in New Holland for more than 40 years. Noll noted that NHSAP always welcomes volunteers and donations. Readers who have questions may email newhollandsummerartsassoc@gmail.com or call 717-355-9795.