On Saturday, May 21, bring the whole family to Lewisburg, WV for Share the Love Festival! Starting at 10am, we will celebrate unchained and independent Lewisburg by shopping, eating, and listening to all things local. Throughout the day, we will observe all locally owned businesses in Lewisburg and independent artists. Artists, product line representatives, business patrons, shop owners, and guests will have a chance to intermingle and support our local economy. The festival shows that we support and appreciate all of those who keep the doors open.

From 10am-2pm, the Greenspace downtown will be filled with activity. There will be live music, tarot readings, independent artists and product line representatives, a lemon-art stand, and face painting. Musical guests include Chad Nickell and the Loose Change, Jim Snyder, Matt Evans, Richard Hefner & Friends, Robin & Doug, and Sam Snyder. Our event partner, the West Virginia Winter Music Festival, is providing the music.

Chad Nickell & The Loose Change is comprised of Daniel Jackson on lead guitar and vocals, Josh Woodzell on percussion, Colten Williams on bass guitar and vocals, and Chad Nickell on lead vocals and acoustic guitar. They only recently joined forces in the spring of 2015, but have been veterans in the local music scene of the Alleghany Highlands area for years. They came together with the common goal to write and perform heartfelt, original, anthemic rock, mostly stemming from the mind of their passionate and driven frontman, Chad Nickell. More info, visit facebook.com/chadnickelltheloosechange

Robin & Doug perform cello, guitar & vocal duets for parties, weddings, restaurants & festivals. We play a mix of country, Americana, blues & bluegrass. Click here for more info

Professional tarot card reader, Sheila James, will read tarot cards on Washington Street by City Hall. Sheila has been giving readings all of her adult life, but on a more formal and full time basis for the last twenty years. She believes that everybody has a path to walk through in his or her lifetime and what is meant for you will present itself.

Among the independent artists, Courtney Horner with CL Horne Creations, will display her ceramics in Artisan’s Square. Artisan’s Square is located in the parking lot behind the Greenspace, across from Greenbrier Valley Baking Company on Rt 219.

Gilson Boards will also set at Artisan’s Square. Gilson is an American start-up snowboard company. Based out of Pennsylvania, they design boards in three dimensions for an enhanced feel on the mountain. They believe in the value of American artisan manufacturing and build their boards with locally grown trees in central Pennsylvania. They merge the woodworking heritage of their region with the precision of modern quality, building snowboards that are of the highest quality in construction. The team is a close group of designers, craftsmen, and adventurers.

Get your face painted or get inked with a temporary tattoo at the Greenspace by the Hub, Lewisburg’s youth organization. Also, enjoy a refreshing cup of lemonade from Troy’s Lemon Art Stand at the Greenspace! Troy an 8 year-old Greenbrier Episcopal School student who loves festivals, lemonade, and art! The cost of lemonade is a drawing, a poem, rap, dance, sculpture, or anything artsy and creative. Art supplies will be provided. Donations are optional.

There will also be a “sidewalk sale” for any downtown retailer that would like to sell items outside.

Artisan’s Square is anticipated to be full with photographers, illustrators, crafters, painters, sculptors, etc. Artists must supply their own signs, tables, chairs, and other display equipment. Also, set up is first come, first serve. Registration is $12 this year. You can register online or download a form from LoveLewisburg.org. Mail the form to Hashtag Lewisburg P.O. Box 744 Lewisburg, WV 24901. If you have any questions regarding artist registration, please email info@christinae6.sg-host.com or call 304-647-8253.

Starting at 5pm, a Battle of the Bands will be held on an outdoor stage at the Hub, which is located in Montwell Park. This event is hosted by the Hub & The Change. from 5-10pm.

The registration fee is $20.00 per act. Must be amateur and more than 50% of the band must be 18 years of age or younger. Once they receive your registration form and payment, they will follow up with bands to request a stage plot! Prizes will be awarded for People’s Choice and Judges Pick for top band and solo acts! If you are interested in performing, you can register at LoveLewisburg.org.

Don’t miss Share the Love Fest on Saturday, May 21st! You will connect and engage with community members, as this event is all about bringing us together to share the love for our town and celebrate all things local to Lewisburg. This event was inspired by cities and towns across the United States who are taking it upon themselves to love local. For more information, or to be a sponsor, email info@christinae6.sg-host.com. Stay updated at facebook.com/ShareTheLoveFest. We appreciate your support!

Behind the Festival: In an attempt to bring attention and raise support for shopping local, Lewisburg business owners’ Christina Entenmann with Hashtag Lewisburg, and Craig Miller with Serenity Now Outfitters (pictured above), collaborated on a good spirited initiative (adopted from Asheville, NC) called Share the Love Fest. While vacationing together in Asheville, NC in January 2015, they were inspired by the “Love Asheville” campaign and Asheville’s “Big Love Fest” where the community is encouraged to shop, eat, and enjoy all things local.

– Hashtag Lewisburg #77. May 2016.