Lock Haven Fringe Fest planned for September 29, 30
By Christopher Miller
LOCK HAVEN, PA – Hold onto your hats Lock Haven: Fringe Fest is coming for you!
So what is a Fringe Fest?
It first originated in 1947 in Edinburgh, Scotland concurrent with the Edinburgh International Festival when eight theatre troupes showed up to an invitation-only festival.
“When eight theatre troupes who had not been invited to perform arrived on the scene, they arranged their own performance space, and put on their shows during the run of the official festival,” said a notation on Britannica.com. “From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.”
Over the years, Fringe Fests have popped up worldwide with some of the closest to Lock Haven being in Scranton and Rochester, New York.
“The Fringe Festivals across the world have a huge impact on the hosting communities,” said Brady Carnahan, an event organizer. “We are thrilled to be bringing that energy to Lock Haven. We hope this festival will grow into a larger cultural and economic force in the years to come.”
“I have attended some of these, but never in Scotland,” said John Gradel, an organizer of the event. “We received a grant through Clinton County Tourism to hold the event on September 29 and 30 and we are currently working on getting different acts and venues signed up.”
The event, which is free to the public, is being put on by Absolutely! Theatre & Fundraising which partners with nonprofit organizations to fundraise for their special events. “Proceeds will benefit nonprofit fundraising for an increased arts in the area, and we are seeking sponsorships,” John explained.
With a schedule to be announced shortly, some information can be found on the event website: https://www.lockhavenfringe.com/
Lock Haven Fringe Fest thanks their current sponsors: Loggia Giosue Carducci Lodge No. 146, Inc., Bonita Harris, Feger Insurance Agency, Dunkin’, Coploff, Ryan, & Houser, and Lee Ann S. Plessinger.
Venues confirmed for the event are Avenue Coffee/Avenue 209, Broken Axe Brew House, and The Village Tavern.
Additional information is available at the following websites and social media sites.
Lock Haven Fringe Fest Website: https://www.lockhavenfringe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lockhavenfringe
Instagram: lockhavenfringe
