A Rose Arts Festival By Any Other Name

What a difference a year makes. This time last year everyone hoped the return of The Rose Arts Festival would be as successful as its inaugural, and helped send a signal Norwich was back. Based on the crowds, the fun, and the momentum generated, I think it was mission accomplished.

I offered much of what follows previously but now I can puff out my chest a bit more while putting some pride in my stride. You can too. Keep practicing so by Saturday it'll feel natural.

If you caught any of last year’s Festival just think even bigger, even better and a whole lot more and that’s probably close to what the organizers have spent months working on for this year. 

Perhaps you're someone who enjoys pancakes for breakfast after running/walking in a 5K and 10K road race, with lots of live music, interactive art, community activities throughout the day, more arts and crafts vendors than you’ve seen in a year and (everyone’s favorite) a Slip and Slide.

Here’s where I ask, ‘where can you find all of this?’ and you say “The Rose Arts Festival at Chelsea Parade!” (the exclamation point is optional but warranted, I think). Yep. Chelsea Parade is the center for the daytime Rose Arts Festival activities and will probably be the most popular place in the state Saturday starting at half past nine with fun runs of 5 and 10K.

Race Registration starts at seven. At nine you can choose between a Millionaire’s Triangle Walk (go on it to find out what it is, you’ll enjoy it) or the Rotary Pancake Breakfast (I’ve already done the walk and have a syrup decanter, so guess where I am).

The Rose Bud Parade begins at ten and then there are hours and hours and hours of music, exhibits, demonstrations, magic show, and art. Speaking of which, there will be all kinds of Creative Station classes, all offered on a first come, first serve basis throughout the day.

You could have a festival without food, I guess, but why? Not to worry. There's a food court with something for everyone so whatever you’re hankering for, you can’t help being satisfied.

There's also a culinary competition in the mid-afternoon with performances by the NFA Dancers, NFA Haitian Club, and the NFA Singers, as well as live music from Kathleen Parks and Brad Bensko, Kat Wright, Root Shock, and Dumpstaphunk and a special highlights tour of the Slater Museum featuring Eastern Connecticut Artists.  

And once the sun goes down, the Rose Arts Festival moves to Downtown After Dark, with music and happenings in more places than your ears can ever imagine. If you still insist there's nothing to do in downtown, and you know who you are, just keep saying that but you’ll have to be pretty loud to be heard over the live performances just about everywhere.

So if you've wanted to celebrate the start of summer and the city of Norwich, the Rose Arts Festival this Saturday is your chance to do both. Enjoy!

-bill kenny