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Lucky Chops is Fine Arts Fiesta headliner

WILKES-BARRE — Sunshine was given a warm welcome as the 64th Fine Arts Fiesta kicked off in downtown Wilkes-Barre Thursday.

The festival runs through Sunday on Public Square, including juried art exhibits and arts for sale, as well as a tantalizing array of foods appeal to every appetite and taste.

Brian Benedetti, executive director of the fiesta, said he is confident the good weather will continue over its four-day run.

“The weather will stay this way,” Benedetti said with a crooked grin. “We have expanded out children’s features and we have added a few food vendors. And the city has made great improvements to Public Square — new tables and the landscaping is beautiful.”

Benedetti has been involved with the fiesta for more than 40 years.

Started in 1956 as a gathering of the arts, Benedetti said the fiesta has recognized since its foundation the need for the community to come together to celebrate diversity, talent, passion, and friendship.

The first Fiesta lasted three days and presented music, dance, drama, sketches and displays. Over the years Fiesta has grown to four days, and continues to thrive as the longest-running free event offered in Wilkes-Barre.

More than 60,000 people attend the event more than 50 fine artists and crafters exhibit. A broad range of free, continuous performances appeal to everyone.

Between all of the Fiesta’s exhibitors and artists, its Main Stage performers — including Saturday night’s concert by headlining band Lucky Chops — its children’s tent and other family activities, the gallery open houses during Friday evening’s “Art Block” gallery walk, and Saturday’s free International Museum Day admission at the Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, there’s something for everyone.

Maria Livrone of Plains Township is displaying her resin art, offering wall hangings, tables and more.

“This is my first time displaying this work,” Livrone said. “I was a bit apprehensive, but my first customer today loved it and bought something.”

Lucky Chops has been unleashing high-energy brassy funk on the world since forming in NYC in 2006. The intensity of the band’s energy is fueled by their desire to share the healing and inspirational power of music with others.

That power has resonated with audiences around the globe, giving the band hundreds of millions of views on their online videos and leading to live performances in more than twenty five countries.

<strong>Josh Groban Ticket raffle</strong>

A raffle benefitting the Fine Arts Fiesta planning and programming will offer concert tickets courtesy of the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

The prize will be 12 tickets to a luxury suite along with 3 VIP Parking passes for the Josh Groban concert at Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, June 16, at 7:30 p.m.

A prize letter will be provided to the winner.

The prize value is $1,600. The prize does not include any food or beverage, but does include 3 VIP Parking passes.

Tickets may be purchased at the Souvenir Tent for $5.00 on the corner of South Main Street across from Rodano’s.

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<img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_FineArtsFiesta1.jpg" />
<div class="neCaption">Flossie The Fine Arts Fiesta Clown — also known as Mary Ellen Fowler, 64, of Dalton — mugs for the camera on Thursday during the 64th annual Fine Arts Fiesta held in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Fowler has been portraying Flossie for 40 years.</div>
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<div class="metaInfo">https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_FineArtsFiesta1.jpgFlossie The Fine Arts Fiesta Clown — also known as Mary Ellen Fowler, 64, of Dalton — mugs for the camera on Thursday during the 64th annual Fine Arts Fiesta held in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Fowler has been portraying Flossie for 40 years. Butch Comegys | For Times Leader</div>
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<img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_FineArtsFiesta4.jpg" />
<div class="neCaption">‘It’s just beautiful,’ said Carol Davis of Luzerne, as she admires the acrylic paintings of artist Kelvin W. Henderson of Suitland, Md. on Thursday during the 64th annual Fine Arts Fiesta.</div>
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<div class="metaInfo">https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_FineArtsFiesta4.jpg‘It’s just beautiful,’ said Carol Davis of Luzerne, as she admires the acrylic paintings of artist Kelvin W. Henderson of Suitland, Md. on Thursday during the 64th annual Fine Arts Fiesta. Butch Comegys | For Times Leader</div>
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<img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_FineArtsFiesta2.jpg" />
<div class="neCaption">Tara Adams, 18, of Shickshinny Lake is greeted by Mother Goose, portrayed by Saskia Van Oot of Frederick, Md., on Thursday during the 64th annual Fine Arts Fiesta held in downtown Wilkes-Barre.</div>
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<div class="metaInfo">https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_FineArtsFiesta2.jpgTara Adams, 18, of Shickshinny Lake is greeted by Mother Goose, portrayed by Saskia Van Oot of Frederick, Md., on Thursday during the 64th annual Fine Arts Fiesta held in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Butch Comegys | For Times Leader</div>
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By Bill O’Boyle

boboyle@www.timesleader.com

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<strong>IF YOU GO</strong>

The Fine Arts Fiesta on Wilkes-Barre Public Square is open:

<strong>• Today,</strong> 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

<strong>• Saturday,</strong> 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

<strong>• Sunday,</strong> 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.

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Fine weather, fine art: Fiesta kicks off under sunny skies