NORWICH _ Colorscape Chenango, a free festival of fine art and music, returns to Norwich on Saturday and Sunday with more than 80 juried artists and a lineup of acoustic musical acts.
The annual event, in its 14th year, takes place on the lawn in front of the Chenango County Courthouse and other locations in the city.
Years ago, it was a mostly local affair, but now it attracts people from all over the Northeast, according to Ken Millet, music coordinator.
``For years now, we've been seeing more than 10,000 people a year, and some of them come quite a distance,'' he said. ``It's a good way to end the summer, welcome the fall.''
The name ``Colorscape'' has a double meaning, evoking the colors on display as tree leaves turn, as well as vivid colors among the artists' images and objects.
Artists and craftsmen come to sell their works, and sometimes demonstrate how they work, he said.
Fans and ``more than a few natives who return on this weekend'' come both for the art and music, said Millet, who lives in Oxford and operates the Night Eagle Cafe in Binghamton. ``Then there are some people who come mostly to be with other fans of art and music, and just have a good time.''
Among local artists listed as participants on the Colorscape website are Kristen Neidlinger of Bainbridge, who will display jewelry; Jeffrey Gale, South New Berlin, black ash splint baskets; Amy Kahn of Oneonta, jewelry; and Sven Anderson of Oneonta, digital images and photography.
While perusing the works of these other artists, Millet said, the crowd will listen to music from Professor Louie and the Crowmatix, Leni Stern, The Kennedys, Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Dennis Gruenling & Steve Guyger and Brooks Williams, among others.
The show goes on rain or shine, within limits, he said.
``We have tents and a canopy over the stage, but if it's raining hard and the wind is blowing, we might have to stop until it blows over,'' he said.
According to National Weather Service, Saturday is likely to bring showers, and Sunday will be a sunny day with high temperatures in the 70s.
For more information on the festival, visit www.colorscape.org.
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