Mantua Village’s award-winning arts and crafts street festival hits the pavement Saturday July 11 on E. Prospect Street. The annual event is both a vibrant public gathering and an important fundraiser for the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC), the nonprofit dedicated to sustaining the Village’s unique personality and historic character.
Art On the Hill brings together residents and visitors alike to spend a relaxing day connecting with one another and perusing locally made goods including jewelry, pottery, garden décor, and more created by 80 artisans and merchants. Attendees can sip a refreshing drink from Restoration 44 Coffee Company (easily accessible on Main St.), then stop by the festival’s Information Tent to purchase tickets for the annual auction (all items supplied by local businesses and vendors) and/or pick up their tickets (plus a commemorative glass) to hold samples from the 4 visiting wineries and Mantua’s new Meadery.
What’s new this year?
Mantua’s famous Granary will host the festival’s first dedicated sun shade area and eatery! Step into the exquisitely preserved Granary basement and take a seat in the cool shade to enjoy a meal or snack from local food trucks. Families and caregivers can take a break at the Kid’s Station (complete with Make & Take crafts and on-site games) or head down to Buchert Park to explore the DMRC’s new playground and run off some excess energy.
What makes Art On the Hill a summer staple?
Since 2008, Art On the Hill & Wine Tasting Too has provided a gathering place for locals and visitors to meet, connect, and enjoy Mantua Village’s welcoming and laid-back atmosphere. The festival serves as both a venue for talented artisans and also a space to create enduring friendships and bonds.
Calling all photographers….
Don’t forget Art On the Hill’s Photo Contest! Photograph aficionados print, mount, and enter photos for a small entry fee. Entries are displayed at Five Five Media Company. A professional photographer will judge the entries and award ribbons to outstanding examples of photography. The public may also vote for their favorite photograph, which is honored as the year’s “People’s Choice”. This year, the Rotary Club of Mantua will choose a photo of historic Mantua to be printed as a jigsaw puzzle and sold as a fundraiser.
What a day! How does the Festival wrap up?
Conveniently located on E. Prospect, the festival naturally winds down as attendees relax at one of the Village’s many eateries before heading home.
When and where is it, and where do I park?!
Art On the Hill & Wine Tasting Too is Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on E. Prospect Street in the Village of Mantua. To ensure easy access, coordinators have designated parking on Mill Street (by Advanced Rehabilitation & Health Specialists) and at the Compass Packaging parking lot on St. Route 44 (Main Street). The festival is free and the parking allows easy access to the event.
Bikers are also welcome! The beautiful Headwaters trail conveniently connects Mantua Village to Garrettsville, and there are plenty of places to safely lock your bike across the Village (including a rack right in front of Restoration 44 Coffee).
Why the festival? Who benefits?
All proceeds from the festival benefit Mantua’s non-profit: The Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC). Since 2007, DMRC has worked to preserve the Village’s history while building a sustainable future. Amongst other projects, DMRC provided funding to rebuild the deteriorating walkway along E. Main Street, restore the historic character of the E. Main Street buildings from E. Prospect to the Green Space, support the Village in refurbishing Buchert Park (including funding new playground equipment and contributing to the funding of the installation and painting of the new pickleball court). In collaboration with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Portage Parks District, DMRC has contribute to the purchase a piece of property along the Cuyahoga River to ensure easier public access to the river. Interested in joining a welcoming group of positive, fun, and energetic people? Check out www.revitalizemantua.org and get involved!
