On October 3 and 4, Lowell Park was abuzz with art and music during Stillwater’s 31st annual Fall Colors Festival.  For the past 31 years in early October, thousands of people have gathered to admire, critique and purchase the work of local artists.  However, not only is this event ideal for art fanatics, it also brings together the community in an enjoyable way.

For the last 31 years, Stillwater has hosted the Fall Colors Festival as a way to bring together the community and entertain its members with a  wide variety of music and artwork.  The Festival’s success depends on the community members’ return, along with them spreading the word to their friends and family. Based on the seemingly increasing success of the festival, that is exactly what is happening.  Each year brings about exciting changes to the festival, such as new artists and added elements, and there should be plenty of people there to enjoy it.

This year, one element that was added to the festival was live art demonstrations.  Different artists, such as potters, weavers, and jewelers, performed their craft during the festival, allowing bystanders to see the work that goes into creating a masterpiece.  For many, this was an exciting new way to experience art, and it drew more people to the festival.

“My favorite part of the festival was watching the potters,” senior Simon Leppicello said.  “It was interesting to see them use their hands to form and shape a boring ball of clay into an intricate piece of art.”

Another aspect of the festival that draws many people is the musical performances.  Each year, new unique groups play their music to entertain the vast crowds at the festival.  The music styles can range from smooth jazz to pop music.  Some of the artists who performed this year were Les Izmoore, Bruce Jackson and the Moondogs and The Jeff Carver Trio.

“I really enjoyed the music at the festival this year,” junior Scarlett Bahma said, “I loved the variety in the different styles, rather than just having one type of music.”

Probably the most important element of the festival is its ability to bring people together.  Art can be a great way to find something in common with someone else, or it can serve as a conversation stater or debate topic.  No matter what, art can connect people, which is the most important thing about the festival, and most likely the reason it has continued to be so successful through the years.

“I feel that the festival does benefit the community,” Leppicello said,  “When I was there, I really felt a strong sense of community and bonding.”

Whether it be the music, art or connectivity of the festival that caused it, throughout the 31 years the Fall Colors Festival has been taking place, it has been very successful.  Without the support of the community, the festival may have never turned out to be what it is now.  Hopefully, the community can be looking forward to many more years of the Fall Colors Festival.

Junior Karissa Cheshier said, “I hope that the festival continues for many more years because it provides entertainment, allows artists to put their work out there and most importantly, it brings together our community.”