The 16th annual Delta Arts Festival will be held this Friday (June 6) and Saturday in Newport, and it will be combined with the city’s sesquicentennial, Jon Chadwell, executive director of the Newport Economic Development Commission, told Talk Business & Politics.
At least 175 visual artists, 18 authors and 100 musicians will participate in the two-day event. About 28 musical performances are slated
“We have combined the music and art back together. We are also celebrating Newport’s Sesquicentennial on Saturday. Lost 40 will be bringing a beer garden Saturday afternoon. And we have more artists and musicians than we have ever had before,” Chadwell said.
Each year, the Festival brings in up to 4,000 visitors to the county. Those tourist dollars have a massive impact on the local economy, Chadwell added.
“We estimate the show will have a significant impact. Art sales tend to run between $200,000 to $300,000 each year which results in a good bit of sales tax for the community. Our hotels and restaurants are booked. We anticipate it has close to a $2 million impact on the town,” he said.
Several of the artists will only be here on one of the event days, so Chadwell said he’s encouraging visitors to attend both.
“This year we have an number of artists who will be here Friday only and a number who will be here Saturday only so it is worth coming back each day,” he added.