A Beautiful Day with ECA

The Eastburg Community Alliance (ECA) held its Annual Books, Brushes, and Blooms: Spring Arts and Literary Festival on Saturday May 7th. Although there was a chill in the air which made good on its promise of a shortly lived but significant rain storm, a warmth was shared by those involved with the festival among those who were fortunate enough to venture across the tracks to Millers Park in East Stroudsburg, PA to enjoy it. The festival featured artists, authors, gardeners, non-profits, and artisans along with musical performances throughout the day.

The musicians who performed included Blue Planet/Planeta Azul and Regina Sayles whose musical stylings and energies create an aura of appreciation that greets the ear, heart, and soul of those who experience their offerings. There were others scheduled to perform, but I was unable to attend their sets due to me not being able to be in more than one place at a time and the sudden deterioration of the climatic conditions of the day. However, I know by reputation and past experiences their presentations met the excellent standards set by those I did manage to see.

The festival also hosted numerous vendors who shared their writings, arts, jewelry, and other items to be purchased by those who would be enhanced by their wares. While some paid a rental fee for their space, many chose to donate the proceeds generated by the sales of their wares to The Dansbury Depot Preservation Project which the ECA dedicates itself to the successful relocation and restoration of the Historic East Stroudsburg Station for the cultural and economic betterment of the East Stroudsburg community. There were a many groups and individuals participating during the festival and I’m sure I missed mentioning quite a few. However, if you were among those not listed, please feel free to let yourself known by sharing your comments and reflections of the day.

Those included in this article are Jewelers such as Steven and Cassandra S. Ferrari of Cansandra’s Beads, Helene Elko of Mandela Jewelry, Jewelry from Clay by Nancy Knott, Penny and Bob Common of Uncommon Designs, Artists and Photographers such as Rita Heim-Robinson of Morning Glory Studios, Pamela R. Frost of New Creation Photography, Arrielle Sekula, John Kolbek, Authors and publishing companies such as Lisa Bauman Wispe author of “Fritter’s Spring,” Debra Butler author of “What Matters,” and Gihon River Press, Inc who published books relating to the holocaust. Other vendors included those representing The Pocono Community Theater, The Monroe Career and Technical Institute, The East Stroudsburg Rail Tower Society, The Eastern Monroe Public Library Bookmobile, The Exchange Club of the Poconos, The American Association of University Women (AAUW), Josie Porter Farm of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), The All Inclusive Travel Agency, and Strauser Nature’s Helper. You’ll find more photographs I took during The Annual Books, Brushes, and Blooms: Spring Arts and Literary Festival in the Festival 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/forwardian.dude.

The Eastburg Community Alliance (ECA) was formed over 30 years ago by local leaders and business owners wishing to enhance the social, economic, and ascetic development of downtown East Stroudsburg, PA. The ECA has helped to provide the streetlights and banners that distinguish the downtown area as well as their Mosaic project found along Crystal Street. To learn more information about The Eastburg Community Alliance and how to become a part of all they have to offer, please explore their website at www.eastburgalliance.com.