37th Annual "Harbor Art" Fine Arts & Crafts Festival Continues Sunday

The Greater Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce Fine Arts & Crafts Festival has been around for more than three decades. But this year, it's getting a new name, Harbor Art. Organizers say the new, shorter name is easy to remember and will help distinguish the festival. 

More than 60 artists will display their work in booths that will line the streets of Historic Old Palm Harbor during the free festival, which runs Saturday and Sunday.

The name change is not the only thing that is different this year. Harbor Art Committee Chair, Gene Coppola says a new pavilion featuring music and food will be set up behind restaurant. He says there will be food vendors again this year, but not as many as before, "We want to play to the strengths of downtown," said Coppola. "We have some great restaurants, why not let them shine?"

Connie Davis, President/CEO of the Greater Palm Chamber of Commerce says the annual event is a great way to show people what the historic downtown area has to offer.

"It supports our community and brings people to our downtown Palm Harbor shops and restaurants," she said.

Davis says the festival is very community oriented with many local organizations participating; including the Boy Scouts, who will have a booth selling hot dogs, and students, who will be selling water. 

The festival also has a lot to offer to artists. Each year, the Hoskins Visual Arts Scholarship is awarded in honor of Bill and Louise Hoskins, who founded the festival 37 years ago.

Artist participating in the festive can compete for $6,250 in cash awards, including a $2,000 Best of Show prize. In another unique aspect of this year's show, Coppola says those artists who win awards will have the opportunity to have their work displayed at the and at .

When it comes to entertainment, Coppola says there will not be any rock and roll. You can expect to hear relaxing music that will compliment the art on display.

The Harbor Art Fine Arts & Crafts Festival will be held along Florida Ave, in Old Historic Downtown Palm Harbor. Admission is free. Hours are-

• Saturday, Dec. 3: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 4: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.