Downtown Ambler became an open-air stage and marketplace last weekend as an estimated 10,000 people gathered for the annual Ambler Arts and Music Festival, writes Maura Fecak for Billy Penn.
The free, two-day celebration closed Butler Avenue to traffic, making room for live performances, local artwork, food vendors, and outdoor dining.
Families arrived with blankets and lawn chairs, while restaurants and shops welcomed visitors throughout the weekend.
“It really, really brings the town together, brings people from all over the place into town,” said festival coordinator Liz Kunzier, who has been involved with the event for more than a decade. “They come out with their families.”
A Community Tradition More Than a Decade in the Making
The festival began in 2013 as a way to connect the community with local artists and has continued to grow.
This year, more than 85 artists displayed hand-painted canvases, jewelry, home décor, and other original creations along Butler Avenue.
Local Bands and Headliners Fill the Weekend Lineup
Music was another major draw.
Ambler-based hard rock group Steal the Night opened the festivities with a mix of original songs and classic rock covers. The weekend lineup also included the Sensational Soul Cruisers, the Mike DelGuidice Band, and The Verdict Reggae Soca Band.
Vendors and Restaurants See a Boost From the Crowds
The crowds also delivered an economic boost to downtown. More than 23 food vendors and two beer gardens gave festivalgoers plenty of dining and drinking options, while local restaurants set up street-fair style along the avenue.
For area businesses, the influx of visitors offered a chance to introduce new customers to Ambler’s dining and shopping scene.
For Residents, It’s About More Than the Music
For residents, the event provided something more personal. Reid Austin, a lifelong Ambler resident, said the festival is a yearly tradition he looks forward to. “I get together with all of my friends and family, and we always have a great time.”
Organized with the help of roughly 20 volunteers, the festival has become one of Ambler’s signature summer traditions.
It showcases the arts while reinforcing the close-knit community spirit that keeps people coming back each year.
Read more about the Ambler Arts and Music Festival in WHYY’s Billy Penn.
