Mayfair Festival of the Arts Brings Community Together
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Mayfair Festival of the Arts in 2025 has introduced several new elements, including unpredictable weather. Kicking off the first night at Cedar Crest College, attendees found themselves dodging small hail shortly after 7 p.m. on Friday. Despite the weather, optimism prevailed as Molly Herman, lead singer of the Weekenders, lifted spirits onstage. She humorously noted the crowd gathered during her cover of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by declaring, "You can still dance now that you’re here," promptly transitioning into another rendition with A-Ha's classic "Take on Me."
The festival runs from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with an engaging lineup of 13 performers poised to entertain festival-goers.
As listed on Weather.com, Saturday's weather forecast predicts an inviting high of 60 degrees, followed by a sunny and breezy Sunday with highs reaching 65, promising more enjoyable conditions for attendees.
Although Friday's hailstorm may have dampened the mood temporarily, festival orchestrators have arranged an array of exciting activities, including a spectacular drone show scheduled to light up the night sky on Sunday.
The festival remains free for all to attend, supplemented by complimentary onsite parking; however, attendees should note that vendors are cashless this year, with prices for food, drinks, and shopping. A culinary journey awaits, featuring delectable options from around the globe:
- Cheeseburgers and fries from Heaven on a Bun
- Pastelillos from Puerto Rican Culture Preservation
- Delightful blueberry or apple pie cones (with or without ice cream) from Pie in a Cone
- Grilled peanut butter spareribs and chicken kebabs from Kou Kitchen (A Taste of Africa)
- Meat and chicken-filled tortillas from Take a Taco
- Free samples from Your Chocolate Guys’ fudge stand, including quirky neon green pickle fudge.
Longtime vendor Jennifer Brocato from Pie in a Cone emphasized the unusual nature of the hail. "I’ve never seen hail at the festival before, and we have been part of it for seven years here at Cedar Crest. We've had freezing temperatures before, but this was a first for us!" she recounted.
A stroll through the festival grounds proves irresistible for shoppers, as 47 various local artists and vendors display an eclectic selection of handmade items including soaps, candles, jewelry, and artwork. For artisans, Mayfair serves as an invaluable platform to connect with the community and showcase their creativity.
A standout among the vendors is Amanda Thompson from Bones' n' Blooms, who crafts unique home decor from ethically sourced materials. Combining animal bones, plastic skulls, and vibrant decorations, Thompson expressed her amazement at the festival’s reception last year. "I was initially apprehensive as this was my first outing, but I ended up selling three-quarters of my pieces!" she shared, underscoring the festival's support for local craftsmanship.
Despite Friday's shower, relaxed attendees are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs to lounge and listen to various genres from rock to new wave bands performing throughout the weekend. The full entertainment lineup includes performances slated for both Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25.
Founded in nearby Cedar Creek Park, the Mayfair Festival of the Arts has a long-standing history, having thrived for 28 years in its original location. After a charging period from 2005, it transitioned back to a free event in 2018, attracting 24,000 visitors before being temporarily halted due to COVID-19. Its return in 2022 has resonated well across the local community.
For further details about the festival's vendors and food offerings, patrons are encouraged to visit the festival's official website.
Bias Analysis
Key Questions About This Article
