UPDATE: Because of inclement weather, the live musical performances that had been scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. have been CANCELED.

Fitchburg State University and the Fitchburg Art Museum are teaming up to present the Blacksmith, Art & Music Festival at Riverfront Park of Boulder Drive on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A free trolley will be running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between the Blacksmith Art Festival and the Johnny Appleseed Festival in downtown Leominster.

The Blacksmith Art Festival, formerly known as the Fitchburg Forge-In, is celebrating its ninth anniversary this year.

The 2012 event will be wildly creative and a much bigger festival, partnering with co-organizers Fitchburg Art Museum and Fitchburg State University, who are bringing a new dynamic to the day’s events. In fact, the expanded festival has so much to offer for 2012 that the event has a new name: The Blacksmith, Art & Music Festival.

Fitchburg’s Riverfront Park, situated along the beautiful Nashua River, will host the festival, turning the park into a village of color, excitement, music, and drama. The art of blacksmithing spans over three thousand years, from simple tools to armor made for medieval knights to dramatic Victorian gates. The Blacksmithing Forge-In component of the festival will feature some of the region’s top blacksmiths flexing their artistic and metalworking skills as they compete for prize money. 

“For those who think blacksmithing is little more than horse shoes and branding irons, the Blacksmith, Art & Music Festival will really open their eyes to the skill and creativity of these amazing craftspeople,” said Achla Madan, founder of the festival.

“The city of Fitchburg is proud to play a role in this festival. We know that the arts can inspire and bring people together,” said Fitchburg Mayor Lisa A. Wong. “This festival has historical, social and cultural meanings and can be a great economic engine.”

Fitchburg Art Museum and Fitchburg State University are joining in the festivities, adding such attractions as a youth and family arts area, a broad array of art displays, and rows of tents filled with arts & crafts vendors.

Similarly, the Fitchburg Art Museum is proud to add its artistic resources to the festival. It will bring in a talented group of public artists who will provide free hands-on-art activities, encouraging children and families to create their own art and contribute to public artworks. In addition, festival visitors will be able to enjoy appearances by some favorite pieces in the Fitchburg Art Museum’s collection, given new life and character by local actors.  The museum is also inviting a selection of regional vendors to display and sell their handmade arts and crafts during the day.

“The Fitchburg Art Museum inspires the public through our wonderful and diverse collections, educational programs, and new community engagement initiatives. This festival highlights our commitment to bringing the power of art, creativity, and community celebration to the public,” said Museum Director Peter Timms.

There is Still Time to Get Involved

Blacksmiths can register free of charge until September 21st; visit www.fitchburgforgein.com for details. Arts & crafts vendors, plus general event sponsors, are also being accepted; Interested parties should contact Jerry Beck at the Fitchburg Art Museum 978-345-4207 ext. 312 or jbeck@fitchburgartmusuem.org for more information.

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