The second annual Millheim Walkfest of Arts and Music will kick off on Friday in downtown Millheim, featuring three days of live music on five stages, artists from throughout Pennsylvania and children’s activities.
Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free, with a free shuttle service provided from the Burkholder’s Market parking lot. Limited parking is available in walking distance to the festival center.
Organizer Rebecca Larson said she hopes to build on the success of last year’s event, which arose from the desire to safely connect with the community after local art festivals were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We started this event to get people back into the groove of creating and sharing their music, art, and food with their community,” Larson said in a news release.
The main music stages will be at the Millheim Fire Company grounds and at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park, where the pool is located. Live music will also be hosted by Pisano Winery, Millheim Hotel, Elk Creek Cafe and Inglebean Cafe.
In addition to local bands, about 30 artists from all over central Pennsylvania will exhibit and sell their wares. An antiques alley will be located on Poplar Street on Saturday. Food trucks and other local vendors will be on hand throughout the weekend to provide refreshments.
“Walkfest is an opportunity to see and hear a diverse offering of art, music and food in a relaxed setting that’s pure small town Americana,” organizer, artist and roaming ukuleleist Karl Leitzel said.
Three local children’s authors will read from their books at the pool pavilion and the pool is expected to be open during the event.
Walkfest is also an opportunity to pick up some new reads at the Friends of the East Penns Valley Library summer book sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Millheim Fire Company. The sale includes books for all ages and genres.
“EPV Library is excited to be back at Walkfest,” Friends of the EPV Library Vice President Lisa Rivera said. “Special thanks to the Millheim Fire Company for providing their engine room for our book sale. Our community events and fundraising are essential to keep the library open and continuing to advocate for literacy and learning in the Penns Valley community.”
Leftover proceeds and donations will be divided among the Millheim Fire Company, East Penns Valley Library and the Millheim Pool. Last year’s event raised $1,000 for each.
“Being involved in the revitalization of Millheim has been an absolute joy, not only as an elected official, but as a member of the community,” said Millheim Borough Council Member Robert Zeigler. “Penns Valley is full of folks who work hard and play hard, and the Millheim Walkfest is an opportunity to celebrate the things we have in common: art, music, food, and this beautiful place.”
Millheim Walkfest is organized by the East Penns Valley Community Business Association and local volunteers. Visit millheimwalkfest.com for the full weekend lineup.
