The Pocono Raceway Festival 2009

The first annual Pocono Raceway Festival was held on Saturday June 6th all along the streets of Stroudsburg, PA. Music, Art, food, merchandise, and race cars were brought together in a celebration to the delight of NASCAR Fans of every kind. However, the day held some treasures for non fans of the sport who enjoyed not only the entertainment and everything else the festival had to offer but also the opportunity to meet some friends who were among the very large crowds who attended the festival.

I must admit, I’m not a NASCAR fan, but I did enjoy myself meeting up with many of my friends who are and aren’t. The day was a full one filled with plenty to do and see. Many of my friends and I marveled at how successful this festival was especially considering the fact it was the very first one. It has been our collective experience many first endeavors have a very small attendance and often need to take place several years before enough of an interest develops before a substantial number of people begin to attend.

However, this was not the case here and this was much to do with the excellent work of Rich Berkowitz* and the staff of The Sherman Theatre* www.shermantheatre.com who made some major contributions in organizing and providing the main entertainment. Of course, the success of this festival could not rely on the efforts of The Sherman Theatre* alone. Other groups who helped make the festival happed included The Sticks and Stones Bar and Grill* www.sticksnstonesbarandgrill.com and The Jacob Stroud Corporation www.stroudsburg.net. They are among the many whose expertise and desire to put on a great festival created a fun day for all.

Many musicians filled the streets of Stroudsburg during the festival which included a yet to be named band performing in front of The Quench Juice and Smoothie Bar located in The Shoppes on Main Complex on the corner of 8th and Main Streets in Stroudsburg, PA consisting of Walter Lee*, Lucas Martins, Jesse Eppinger, and Ashley Matos*. Other performers along the streets included Randy Bigness* www.myspace.com/randybignessproductions and his band and Eric Becker* www.myspace.com/ericjbecker and Abby Braman* while bands on the main stage included special acoustic set by Dealer in Wares* www.myspace.com/dealerinwares and a performance by the eagerly anticipated The Marshall Tucker Band.

Numerous vendors were lined up eager to offer those who attended the festival. Their wares were as varied as those who came out for the day. They included all sorts of food, jewelry, clothing, and some wonderfully crafted Baby Grand Pianos by Turner’s Piano Restorations. In keeping with The first annual Pocono Raceway Festival, there were a few NASCAR vehicles available for a much closer observation one would otherwise have from watching them at a safe distance during an actual race. In addition to all this, many of the staff and volunteers of The Sherman Theatre* were traveling among the crowds to offer chances to win several prizes associated with the event and to drum up much deserved financial support to the venue may continue its endeavors to provide the Poconos and beyond with the performances, workshops, and other culturally enriching programs they offer.

The next Pocono Raceway Festival is scheduled to take place during next year’s Pocono 500 Racing Event held near Long Pond, PA. Please Explore The Pocono Raceway Website for more information. You’ll find more photographs in The Pocono Raceway Festival 2009 Gallery on www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.