WaterFire Sharon selects dates and themes

Staff report

Sharon, PA.

WaterFire Sharon has set the dates and themes for its three events this summer.

The festival, now in its second year, will take place July 19, with the theme “Elements”; Aug. 23, with theme “Origins”; and Sept. 27, with theme “Motions.”

The themes were selected because of the artistic representation and interpretation they offered.

“We chose to use themes for the events so that visitors can expect a different experience with each WaterFire lighting,” said Bob Wilson, executive director. “The artists can create and emphasize the themes in their work as well. No two WaterFires will ever be the same, and visitors can expect a different mix of entertainment, vendors and artists at each one.”

The theme “Elements” refers to the elements of art, life and fire and water.

“Origins” will honor the traditions, knowledge and stories passed down through generations.

And “Motions” recognizes that people and our planet are constantly in motion, a fact that is constantly reflected in art.

WaterFire festivals take place in cities across the globe, growing from the original one in Providence, R.I., in the early 1990s. All the events are based on arts in an urban environment and share the hallmark ritual of lighting wood-fire braziers that are secured onto the surface of a body of water.

In Sharon, the braziers are on the Shenango River downtown.

The WaterFire Sharon events in 2013 drew a combined 70,000 visitors to the city.

“It takes more than 650 volunteers and significant financial donations for WaterFire Sharon to happen,” said Wilson.

As part of the Community Foundation, all financial contributions to WaterFire Sharon are tax-deductible.

For information on how to support the event or volunteer opportunities, contact Bob Wilson at 724-981-5882, ext. 111. Inquiries also can be sent to info@waterfiresharonpa.org.

Information about WaterFire Sharon also can be found at waterfiresharonpa.org.