Downtown Sharon August 23, 2014 – 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. ORIGINS
(Downtown Sharon)
“Origins” take us back to our beginnings. We honor our origins by passing traditions, knowledge, and stories down to the next generations. The story of origins is often told in both performing and fine arts. “WaterFire” recognizes the use of water and fire as far back as imaginable, and celebrates our origins as individuals and as a community. Visit our many art and craft vendors that represent the best of our region, and engage our artists throughout the city as they create their art right in front of you. Visit one of our many food vendors, enjoy the music provided on our Main stage and more intimate Front Porch stage, share in the laughter and awe of our street performers, and lastly, enjoy the beauty of WaterFire and all of its’ splendor as it touches all of your senses – from the visual of the 55 burning bonfires that dance and reflect off of the Shenango River, the sounds of an eclectic mix of music from all over the world and the scent of burning cedar and pine wood that add an appealing fragrance to the night air. WaterFire is an artistic endeavor that was created by artist Barnaby Evans in Providence, R.I., in the early 1990s. Evans created an evening event that would bring people into the downtown area to see lit bonfires on the river. A complete immersion of the senses, “WaterFire Sharon” was brought to the Shenango River in downtown Sharon during the summer of 2013. Three successful events brought 70,000 visitors to the experience. This unique and beautiful art installation can be seen in only a few cities around the world.
1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. WaterFire Artisan and Craftsmen Festival
(State Street)
State Street will be lined with artisans and craftsmen selling their wares and exhibiting, sharing and talking about their creative talents. Many mediums will be on display – pottery, digital arts, glassware, metal-works, jewelry, handmade clothing, painting, photography and much more. Take a pleasant stroll up and down State Street and appreciate and support some of the finest artisans and craftsmen of our region.
1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Multi-Media Artist – Michael Long
(Columbia Theater Park – West State Street)
Michael Long is a Central Pennsylvania based artist and demonstrator that works in multi-media sculpture, painting and assemblage. Michael brings his talents to WaterFire Sharon where he will create a one of a kind art piece specifically for WaterFire. Check out Michael throughout the day, and monitor his progress from start to finish. Michael is generously donating the piece to WaterFire, and we will offer it to the highest bidder at the end of the day through a silent auction. What a great way to support WaterFire, and acquire a one of a kind, fantastic art piece! Michael’s work is currently on display at the Westmorland Museum of American Art along with various galleries, museums and private and permanent collections. He is a member of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and currently known for his large scale permanent installation project at the Station Medical Center Altoona, PA
1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Raku Firing
(Circle K Pottery – East State Street)
Try your hand at a “make and take” project at the pottery decorating and glazing exhibit. Purchase your favorite piece, glaze and decorate it and then watch it fired in the Raku kiln. See Raku firing demonstrations in the evening which becomes a beautiful spectacle in the dark. Raku is a type of firing process inspired by traditional Japanese Raku firing and involves removing the pottery from the hot kiln and placing it into containers with combustible materials which produces interesting patterns and vibrant colors. Make a piece or just watch – either way it is a must see!
1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Hope and Dreams Tiles
(Circle K Pottery – East State Street)
Sculpt a commemorative tile with your hopes and dreams that will be included in a public art project located at the Community Action Partnership building in downtown Sharon. Make one or several tiles – once the project is completed, your tile(s) will become a part of a special mural that exhibits how our community can come together through the arts. This project is being led by Endowment for the Arts, a not for profit arts fund established through the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Children’s Art and Activities Tent
(Primary Health Network Parking Lot on Chestnut)
The Children’s programming for WaterFire Sharon will focus on scientific discovery and old school fun as diverse community organizations come together to provide educational play experiences for our younger visitors. Students and faculty from Laurel Technical Institute (LTI) and Youngstown State University will set the tone with various science laboratories and play stations. Children can run experiments in Chemistry, Geology, Genetics, Kinesthetics and Engineering. Join in some old fashion games in Fun with Dick and Jane, become part of the artwork in Chalk It Up, create your own toy with a Single Sheet of Paper, contribute your talents to the Community Art Project and become a real live story character in Readers Theater. Come join in the fun under the big tent!
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Alpaca Petting Zoo
(Bicentennial Park)
Children of all ages will enjoy the Alpaca Petting Zoo located in Bicentennial Park. Walter Wolanin likes sharing his animals with the public, letting people pet them, feed them and learn more about them. Enjoy a stroll along the Bicentennial Park river path, and be sure to stop by and say hello to Walter and his animals.
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wendell August Forge
(James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center)
Wendell August Forge is America’s oldest and largest forge, producing hand-wrought ornamental metal-ware and elegant giftware. The heritage art of the Wendell August Forge is preserved by the company’s artisans and craftsmen, who use the original eight step process to produce every heirloom piece in aluminum, bronze, pewter, sterling silver, and other metals. Wendell August forgers will be on hand for demonstrations and your children can try their hand at an interactive forging experience. Be sure to check out the beautiful, handcrafted WaterFire merchandise, created exclusively for WaterFire Sharon.
1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Marketplace and Elements Lounge
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
(James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center)
The Marketplace, located in the James. E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center provides an indoor venue for artists, craft items and other unique vendors. You may also want to visit a couple of our local wineries that will be sharing their craft – Nova Cellars and Fractured Grape. Be sure to stop in for a break from the summer sun. Starting at 6:00 p.m. and running through the evening visit the Elements Lounge for a relaxing atmosphere that includes music, dancing wine and a cash bar.
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Ekker Sports Autograph Collection
(Community Library of the Shenango Valley)
For the sports enthusiasts, be sure to check out the amazing Ekker Sports Autograph collection. This wonderful collection boasts nine display cases of over 600 autographs inscribed on a wide array of college and professional sports items.
2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Historical Walking Tour
(Donna’s Diner – 10 West State Street)
Meet in front of Donna’s Diner at 2:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a historical walking tour of downtown Sharon. Join members of the Sharon Beautification Commission and Sharon Historical Society and listen to stories of the rich history of downtown Sharon. You will learn about the grand old buildings – their original builders, tenants and uses over these many years. Imagine the cable cars that used to travel down State Street, the floods that came over the banks of the Shenango, and the bustling crowds of shoppers that preceded the eras of malls and strip plazas.
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Six Nations Iroquois Dancers
(State Street Bridge)
The Six Nations Iroquois Dancers are a collective group of individuals and all citizens of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The group is led by Tonawanda Seneca Jamie Jacobs who is of the Turtle Clan. The dancers come from all corners of the Confederacy. They love to showcase their culture through songs and dances that have been passed down through generations. It is in song dance that they find peace and friendship, a philosophy and way of life given to them by their Creator. Through their song and dance they honor their ancestors, and we are honored to have them celebrate with us on August 23rd at WaterFire Origins.
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Historical Hubs
(110 East State Street and James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center)
In the spring of 1796, William Budd, a native of New Jersey, born October 19, 1773, settled here on the west bank of the Shenango River. The namesake of the new settlement was taken from the bible as a reference to the Plain of Sharon which was a fertile land known for its flowers. Young William felt it was the perfect description of the land he was settling, and hence, the name of Sharon was chosen. Native Americans were plenty in those days and frequently cooked and ate at “Squire Budd’s” fireside. Abundant in natural resources, a town and industry grew, beginning with Scotch-Irish pioneers and soon followed by many diverse immigrants who found work as miners, mill workers and tradesmen. Trace our regional story by visiting historical displays at Tickled at 110 East State Street and the second floor of the James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center.
7:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Traditional Native American Blessing
(Shenango River)
Leon Sam Briggs, is enrolled Tonawanda Seneca whose native name is H oya’degay hus – (he helps always) hawk clan. In 2004, he was ordained as a spiritual leader of the American Metis Aboriginal Association. Briggs will perform a traditional blessing called “smudging” at WaterFire on August 23. During the blessing, which will occur on the river – tobacco, sage, cedar and herbs are spread on the river in a sacred way, giving thanks for the gifts that come from the water and beneath the surface that nourish us, and give us strength that we can provide for our families. By giving these offerings as an exchange, we are giving the most sacred gifts from the Creator. The “smudging” is an offering of our prayers to the Creator through the smoke that rises to the sky world in respect to all creation – nya’weh (thank you).Briggs is also a consultant/speaker with the Red Bird Center at their program Unity Gathering –a Trauma Recovery event for individuals and families who have suffered trauma and loss. Their focus is on the “Indigenous Healing Model” that restores the spirit and brings unity and connection within communities. Additionally, Briggs works in the traditional arts of beading, quill and leather work.
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. WaterFire Sharon Lighting and Torch Procession
(Shenango River between Connelly Boulevard and Silver Street Bridges)
As we celebrate ORIGINS, we recognize how our region is rich with history that predates the early settlers, and the many and diverse immigrants that over time, have joined together to become one community. Representatives from the many ethnic clubs that remain active in our community, along with owners and employees of companies that have long histories in our region, will light the way in our torch procession. Lighting the ceremonial orb are Bernie Dresel (originally from Sharon) and Sean Jones (originally from Warren) – two of the finest musicians to ever come out of the Shenango and Mahoning Valleys. Joining Bernie and Sean is Bill Strickland, founder of the Manchester Craftsmen Guild Pittsburgh. Bill understands his origins and appreciates his roots more than most, and has dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate take charge of their lives and realize their potential. The enchanting WaterFire music will begin just before dusk and the captivating torch procession and lighting ceremony will begin at 8:00 p.m. Live performances will feature both Bernie Dresel and Sean Jones. WaterFire Sharon is pleased to welcome back world renowned fire performers Energemata Poi. Performing acts such as chain poi, staff, fire eating, fire breathing and more – they will show that fire is not only powerful, but enchanting as well!
