Racing Around in Stroudsburg

The Jacob Stroud Corporation held their Annual Pocono Raceway Festival throughout the town of Stroudsburg, PA to celebrate the approach of the upcoming Pocono 400 NASCAR Race which is part of their Sprint Cup Series. In 2012, the festival was expanded from a one day event to a three day spectacle which began Friday June 8th and concluded on the day of the actual race on Sunday June 10th. I was able to partake of the Saturday June 9th activities which were plentiful and were focused throughout the Main Street area of the town. The Raceway Festival blocked off the entire street from automobile traffic and was filled with pedestrians, vendors, musicians, and a carnival that included a Ferris wheel and other rides.

Among the many activities and events occurring on the day when I arrived at the festival was The PoconoArts Cultural Center Artists’ Reception featuring the works of Clarissa Jan Ward in its ArtSpace Gallery and Andrea Robbins-Rimberg in their Studio Gallery. A number of artists were also represented at the galleries including David Cook, Jim Hannan, John Kopp, Marcos Oksenhendler, Leslie Nagy, Thomas Augusta, Will Daskel, Shirley Epstein, Helen Heeren, Sharon Gosgrove, Don Manza, Joan Sayer, and Jorge Cruz. The reception was sponsored by Venuto’s Old World Pizza which is located in Stroudsburg, PA and they provided some really good pizza. It was mentioned the restaurant will provide similar culinary delights for The PoconoArts Cultural Center’s future receptions. There are many reasons to attend an artist’s reception at the center. But, if there were no other reason, I’d be going back for the pizza.

In spite of the large crowds gathered throughout the town (and the good pizza), the reception was sparsely attended. This was very unfortunate as the work upon the walls was very well done and deserved viewing from a variety of individuals who would love the beauty and intricacies found within the pieces. However, there remains an opportunity for those who missed the reception to enjoy the work as the Exhibition continues until June 30th. Please Explore The PoconoArts Council’s Website at www.poconoarts.org for more information.

As I left The PoconoArts Cultural Center, I returned to the hustle and bustle of the streets as the festival continued provide a variety of commerce and entertainment for all its denizens. I saw the Juggernaut String Band who performed their eclectic combination of Bluegrass, Cajun, and Zydeko blends which has delighted all who has experienced their previous performances and proved to be just as enjoyable for those attending the festival. Other entertainment I experienced included a dance performance by the Flash Mob which consisted of numerous individuals who filled the streets to simply dance. It was quite enjoyable to watch.

I also met with the various vendors lined the streets such as D W Creations whose jewelry was very interesting and pleasing to the eye and The Living Hope Baptist Church who created some decorated balloons for the children who were passing by and currently holds their religious services at the Pocono Mountain East High School in Swiftwater, PA. You can learn more about The Living Hope Baptist Church by exploring their website at www.LivingHopePocono.com.

Although the weather became quite warm as the day progressed, it was a pleasure to meet those tending the booth for Sam’s Fur Hats. The hats reflect the styles of the mountain men who roamed the lands trapping animals and traded their furs for provisions. However, these fur hats were created from the furs of various animals such as Raccoons, Foxes, and Skunks harvested by their customers. You can learn more about Sam’s Fur Hats and their services by emailing Sam at scramirez@ptd.net.

As I’m prone to do, I decided to veer off the official pathways of the festival in order to explore what hidden treats are offered beyond its established perimeters. I journeyed to the somewhat remote Ann Street area of the town which led me to visit Moe’st Everything Muse which is a music store owned by Moe Altamuro and Eileen O’ Brien. They are located next to the Ribbon Outlet Complex and musical entertainment was provided in its parking lot area. The musicians I experienced after I arrived included Saxophonist Alex Duncanson whose soothing renditions created a gentle aura among the audience, the band “Least Likely” whose mixture of Christian Rock and a powerful musical presence rocked the parking lot, and a performance given by “Rotten Lucky” whose kick ass style has often been enjoyed by those who frequent the Sunday Evening Open Mic Nites held at The Living Room venue located in Stroudsburg, PA. You can learn more about Moe’st Everything Muse and all they have to offer by exploring their website at www.moesteverything.com.

The festival was an enjoyable time especially once I wandered off the beaten path and explored the many possibilities not mentioned to a great degree by the event’s promoters. I often find this to be true of many large festivals as many of these “unofficial” events prove to be just as interesting if not more so than the “official” ones. The next festival for the town of Stroudsburg. PA will be its Annual Stroudfest which will occur on Saturday September 1st. It has always been a great time but I would encourage many to explore the back streets and other venues not mentioned in the promotions in order to enhance your enjoyment of the day. I plan to and I hope to see you there. You’ll find more photographs taken during my day at the festival in the Pocono Raceway Festival 2012 Gallery at  www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151026742615421.484952.636000420&type=1.

The 2012 Annual Pocono Raceway Festival was presented as a tribute to the late Doctor Joseph Mattioli who was the founder of The Pocono Raceway which is located in Long Pond, PA.  The Raceway began in 1968 as a three-quarter mile track and later expanded in 1971 to a two and one-half mile track which accommodated 500 mile races such as the one presently presented by NASCAR. Due to many mistakes in its construction which led to some very serious financial difficulties, the raceway was closed but was later reconstructed during the 1990s. In spite of the current energy crisis in which oil and gasoline continues to be depleted at alarming levels, the Raceway continues to entreat automobile racing fans throughout the area and beyond. You can learn more about The Pocono Raceway by exploring their website at www.poconoraceway.com.

The 2012 Annual Pocono Raceway Festival was presented by The Jacob Stroud Corporation which was formed in 1995 in order to revitalize the downtown historical heritage. They continue to establish a healthy downtown environment for residents and visitors to the area. In addition to Arts on Main, The Jacob Stroud Corporation also presents their Annual “Stroudfest” event in September featuring entertainment throughout the day along with opportunities to explore and purchase works created by artists, artisans, and crafters living in and around the Stroudsburg, PA area. To gain more information about The Jacob Stroud Corporation and all they have to offer the community as well as its visitors, Please Explore their Website at www.stroudsburg.net.