Saturday is going to be a bustling day in Hagerstown.
The small but growing Maryland town, just an hour-and-a-half hour drive from D.C., is hosting their Third Annual Downtown Live! Music and Art Festival 2008 on Saturday.
This all-day festival, sponsored by Demcore Entertainment, starts at 1 p.m. in downtown Hagerstown and will be green and environmentally friendly. All festival events will go on rain or shine, so there are no excuses not to come.
The event is for all ages-- families are encouraged to attend. A children’s area located on the North Potomac side of the square will be provided from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and children under 12-years-old are free.
For the above-12-years-old crowd, tickets are $29 to see seven bands, 60 arts and crafts vendors and to enjoy drink specials and food from local restaurants. Patrons must be over 21 to drink. College students can show their student ID to get a free lunch. Keep in mind, a portion of the entertainment proceeds will benefit the Washington County Historical Society.
The band line-up includes Everclear, Sister Hazel, Carbon Leaf, SOJA, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, Vs the Earth, and The Fox Hunt. Performances will go from 2 to 10 p.m.
The downtown festival is part of revitalization efforts of downtown Hagerstown and a way to show their downtown improvements. Local businesses are able to gain exposure and show the community what they have to offer.
The festival anticipates more than 8,000 people will attend, especially since last year’s festival had more than 6,000 turnout.
To avoid lines the day of the festival, buy tickets in advance online. Online sales end Friday at midnight. On Saturday, tickets can still be purchased at the gate. For more information and tickets go to www.downtownlivehagerstown.com
