The Brandywine Festival of the Arts (a.k.a. the Brandywine Arts Festival) is back! And if I know anything about Barry Schlecker, the new Festival manager, it will be bigger and better than ever. And why not – this festival has everything going for it this time around: an absolutely beautiful setting on the banks of the Brandywine River in Brandywine Park; a world-class collection of artists, artisans and musicians who live in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley; a community that appreciates art and fine craft; and a promoter with years of experience who doesn’t do anything half way.

The Wilmington Flower Market in early May and the Brandywine Arts Festival in September are like two unique bookends that mark the beginning and the end of the summer festival season in Wilmington.
At least I did until the un-ceremonial demise of one of the bookends last fall. And what happens when you remove a bookend? Chaos and collapse – that’s what. If people think “A Day Without Art” sends a powerful message, try a whole weekend without it! According to the Delaware Historical Society, 2009 was the first time the Festival had been cancelled in over 50 years.

Fortunately for the entire Mid-Atlantic region, the Brandywine Festival of the Arts is here to stay  in Wilmington – featuring hundreds of juried artists exhibiting one-of-a kind arts and crafts. The Festival has traditionally been ranked among the top 100 in the country, attracting talent from more than 30 states. In addition, this year there’s a great food court with unique specialties and traditional festival fare prepared by some of the Brandywine's Valley’s finest restaurants and eateries. And if that isn’t enough, your $5 Brandywine Festival of the Arts ticket will also permit you free entrance into the Brandywine Zoo on the day of your visit! What could be better – art and animals all at the same time!

The Brandywine Festival of the Arts runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 11, and 10:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday. And children under 10 are free! The location for the Festival is 1001 North Park Drive in Wilmington, just west of the Brandywine Zoo. Parking will be available at the old Wanamaker Building on Augustine Cut-off throughout the weekend.

The Friends of Wilmington Parks will be the beneficiary of the Festival this year, and they do their part by providing volunteers for the event. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Christa Scalies at 656-3665 or fowp@dca.net.