Since 2009, Cumberland Arts, Inc. has produced a celebrated outdoor festival that joins arts with the Town of Cumberland Farmers Market creating a unique event that is known as Cumberland Arts Goes to Market. This year, the event will be held August 16 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
More than 100 artists and craft vendors, plus farmers market vendors, two stages of live entertainment and a variety of great food ranging from festival fare to food trucks make this a great summer day. Festival day at Cumberland Arts Goes to Market starts with the weekly Farmers Market opening at 8 a.m. Art and craft booths and other activities along Saturn Street open at 9 a.m.The festival has fun activities for kids and adults, food, games, and much more.
“The annual Cumberland Arts Goes to Market festival is fast becoming the pulse of the vibrant, resurgent community of Cumberland. The arts have a way of bringing out the best in a community, of reminding us of our most cherished asset: one another,” said T. Wyatt Watkins, Co-Pastor of Cumberland FBC. Pastor Watkins is also a professional violinist and environmental advocate.
Cumberland Arts Goes to Market is presented by Cumberland Arts, Inc. of Cumberland First Baptist Church and the Town of Cumberland. This year, they expect about 3,000 visitors to the one-day free event.
Cumberland Arts Goes to Market is a great summer event, but it is more than just an arts and crafts festival. The all-volunteer team that puts in countless hours, does it in part to bring a sense of pride and value to the eastside.
Another goal of the event is to support business development in and around Cumberland. Two Sisters Cakery and Bakery, a Cumberland area business at 11530 E. Washington St., and a repeat festival food vendor, has teamed up with organizers to create a special festival cupcake “Cheers to the Arts.” The festival will also offer a special iced tea blend by Teapots and Treasures. This business, which has been located on the Circle and Mass Ave, has unique tea blends and tea accessories.
The Market also supports earth stewardship and have a commitment to cleaner air and a lighter carbon footprint. There will be groups at the festival such as Earth Charter, Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light and the Eastside Creation Care Network. Cumberland FBC is installing a 30 panel solar array on the roof which will significantly reduce the church energy costs.
