Biggest Weekend In Bucks Delivers Weekend Of Art, Music, and Cycling

DOYLESTOWN, PA — There’s a reason why they call it the biggest weekend in Bucks County.

On Saturday and Sunday, thousands flocked to the Bucks County seat for the two day Doylestown Arts Festival and the 20th annual Bucks County Classic.

Comfortable temperatures on Saturday brought big crowds to the streets of the historic borough as shoppers and browsers checked out each booth along the way.

While a line of heavy showers dampened the show in the afternoon, many came prepared with umbrellas expecting a mid-afternoon downpour. Others sought temporary cover inside the borough's many stores and restaurants.

From handmade jewelry to vinyl art, more than 160 artists brought their unique creations to show and share with the public this year.

Still images of Doylestown landmarks, handcrafted wooden bowls, drawings, sculpture, repurposed wood, and mixed media filled the booths lining the streets of the town center.

Showing off the festival's t-shirt are, from left, Kris Boger, Margie Adamsky and Marie Woodson.

Vendor David Shapiro reported brisk sales on Saturday. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

Along a very busy East State Street. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

For many of the participating artists and local businesses, the festival was a massive success. Reports indicated that sales were once again strong.

Among the vendors reporting excellent sales was David Shapiro who was selling his poplar line of handmade jewelry on Main Street under the American Princess name.

“I’ve been doing this show for so many years that I lost count. I love this show. I love Paul and Kris Boger. They are amazing,” said Shapiro of the event organizers. “Today has been a phenomenal day. The customers love this show. And it’s not just that there’s lots of people. They are buyers,” he said.

His booth was filled with jewelry, all made by hand in his New York studio. He reported excellent sales and a steady crowd throughout the day.

A few booths away was Tuesday Walker Hodges, the owner of Gorgeous Hooks Crochet. She was participating in her first Doylestown Arts Festival.

“Today has been excellent. The people have been great. The sales have been great.” Her hot sellers included her crocheted sea turtles and bees.

The event once again spanned across downtown Doylestown, lining State Street, Main Street, Oakland Avenue, Hamilton Street, and adjacent parking lots with art, music, and activities.

Tuesday Walker Hodges, the owner of Gorgeous Hooks Crochet, participates in her first Doylestown Arts Festival.

Making a scarf at the Michener Museum booth. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

In addition, the festival featured a range of local cultural destinations and arts organizations, helping to raise awareness and strengthen their position in the region.

While visitors browsed through the arts and crafts, music filled the streets and the smell of delicious food hung in the air from Doylestown's many restaurants and eateries.

At West State and Hamilton streets, festival attendees watched as an artist from Fleming Studios was throwing a ceramic bottle on a pottery wheel. Meanwhile just up the street at the very busy Discover Doylestown table at Main and State kids were having a ball making sand art creations.

Organizer Kris Boger was keeping her eye on the sky early Saturday afternoon hoping whatever rain that was moving in around 2 p.m. would be quick to move out.

“Up to now vendors have told me they are having exceptional sales, which is fantastic,” she said. “And the crowds have been big.“

While Saturday included a soggy note, Sunday brought sun filled skies and very comfortable temperatures as the second day of the arts festival brought large crowds to the town.

The all-volunteer organizers and committee responsible for the festival worked for more than 10 months to carefully plan and execute the annual tradition, which is free to the public and held in partnership with Discover Doylestown, The Borough of Doylestown, and dozens of local businesses, organizations, and residents.

Behind the scenes of the festival, more than 130 volunteers worked from before dawn until well after the crowds had gone home to make sure the event ran smoothly.

Bucks County Classic Races Through Town

Sunday also brought the Bucks County Classic to town as professional cyclists whipped around the parameter of the arts festival grounds churning up excitement with every ring of the cowbell and blow of the whistle.

The excitement reached a fever pitch up on Court Street where the cyclists began and ended each race. Marlie Garcia of Blue Ridge 2024 won the Doylestown Health Pro woman’s Race while Marco Mendez took the win in the Thompson Pro Men’s.

"Wow, wow, wow. What an absolutely incredible day," posted the Bucks County Classic on its Facebook page.

Winners of the Women's Pro Race are Marlie Garcia, first place; Skylar Schneider, second; and Sam Schneider, third.

State Rep. Tim Brennan presents a proclamation from the State House recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Bucks County Classic.

The 2024 race was made possible by the support of the Thompson Organization, Doylestown Health, Eastburn and Gray, the Borough of Doylestown, Singlecare, Marshall Financial Group, Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S Blumberg Institute, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Doylestown Health Foundation, Bucks County Tourism Grant Program, Verge Sport, Jarrett Vaughan Builders, C&N Bank, Ellen Happ Architectu, Terrain, UNDRBUDR, Bike Works, Beth Snyder DMD, Encore Rides, Alderfer Auction and Bridge Acupuncture.