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Harrisburg’s annual Artsfest is going virtual because of the coronavirus

  • Lisa Wardle
The city of Harrisburg river walk along the Susquehanna River is an example of an urban forest, or greenspace.

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The city of Harrisburg river walk along the Susquehanna River is an example of an urban forest, or greenspace.

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The annual Artsfest of Greater Harrisburg will not bring crowds to Riverfront Park on Memorial Day weekend. Instead, this year’s festival will go virtual to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.

People walk along the sidewalk in Riverfront Park during Artsfest of Greater Harrisburg in 2018.

Artsfest of Greater Harrisburg / Facebook

People walk along the sidewalk in Riverfront Park during Artsfest of Greater Harrisburg in 2018.

The arts festival typically draws thousands of people to the Harrisburg riverfront to peruse vendors’ stalls, eat at food trucks and enjoy live entertainment and activities. City officials decided to change plans because of the coronavirus pandemic and potential dangers of public gatherings.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents, visitors and vendors. We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said in a news release.

Additional details about this virtual festival will be available in the coming weeks.

City officials say they are working on plans to improve the Artist Market at the 2020 Kipona Festival, scheduled for September 5-7, and expect Artsfest to return to the riverfront in May 2021.

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