* The Blacksmith, Art & Music Festival

Blacksmith, Art & Music Festival offers a
World of Creativity & New Attractions
With the addition of musical performances, public art workshops, arts & crafts vendors, and community activities, the former Blacksmith Forge-In Festival is expected to draw thousands from the region.
 
FITCHBURG, Mass.; Aug. 28, 2012– The festival formerly known as the Fitchburg Forge-In is celebrating its 9^thanniversary on September 29 from 10 am to 9 pm at Riverfront Park, Fitchburg. 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 avillage 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,” says Fitchburg Mayor Lisa 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, live performances from New England’s favorite jazz, rock, and ethnic bands, a broad array of art displays, and rows of tents filled with arts & crafts vendors.
 
Music and Art Complement the Blacksmithing Experience
For years, Fitchburg State University has been producing its own local music festival. A team of Fitchburg State University students, faculty and staff will select several regional bands and singer-songwriters to perform live in Riverfront Park from 5 pm - 9 pm. Bands and performers include: Big OL Dirty Bucket, Everett Mckee, One Step Further, Cara Brindisi, Zachary Zapierre, Bynars, and Bonda Criolla.                                      
 
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 handmadearts 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 inspiring the community through the power of art,” says Peter Timms.
There is Still Time to Get Involved
Blacksmiths can register free of charge until September 21^st; visit www.fitchburgforgein.comfor 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.orgfor more information.