THE FESTIVAL: More Than Just Crafts and Food

Crafts and food are not the only part of the Bel Air Festival for the Arts to which the event's visitors can look forward.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. the Harford Ballet will serenade the first visitors. The group is one of seven that will appear on stage throughout the day, all of which are from nearby.

"All of the groups that participate are local," event coordinator Donna Clauer Stufft said. The bands appear in 45– to 90–minute increments and conclude with the Bel Air Community Band from 4–5 p.m. when the seven-hour event will conclude.

Stufft added that the locality of each band is part of the appeal of the entertainment.

"The community loves it because you have a chance to see not only talent, but many of your friends and neighbors," Stuff said.

Following the Harford Ballet will be the Bay City Seven at 10:15 p.m., the Members of Applause at 11:30 a.m. and the Sounding Brass for lunchtime beginning at noon.

In the afternoon the Upper Chesapeake Chorus of Sweet Adelines plays at 1:30 p.m., followed by Chuck Baker Orchestra at 2:15 p.m. and the Silver Eagle Cloggers at 3:15 p.m. before the Bel Air Community Band caps the night.

"My focus is on the physical setup as well as the crafters who are there," Stufft said. "What we have area all wonderful people."

The 45th annual Bel Air Festival for the Arts is being held rain or shine Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Shamrock Park. Admission is free. This is part of a series of articles about Bel Air's premiere arts and crafts festival.