Honoring moms, grandmoms for 33 years

It was a big gamble 33 years ago when organizers decided their street fair idea should come to fruition on Mother's Day. No one knew for certain if people would be willing to sacrifice any portion of a day dedicated to such an important person.

The answer was a resounding "yes." This year, that roll of the dice continues to pay big entertainment dividends. Fair organizers expect to showcase a record number of entertainers, vendors and guests in the heart of downtown on Sunday.

"There are generations of family members that can't imagine Mother's Day in York without it," said Kelley Gibson, an event planner with Inside Out Consulting in York.

Even in bad weather, Gibson said the event consistently draws more than 60,000 people. A

glorious May afternoon can help increase that number to about 100,000.

Gibson attributes the event's ongoing success to several things. First and foremost, it is a day that falls in line with celebrating family.

"This is something moms actually look forward to enjoying with the people they love," Gibson said. "It is still their holiday."

Secondly, the event draws a broad array of food and craft vendors, which appeals to people who like spending the day in a festival-like atmosphere. And in addition to the general social appeal of these activities, there is also a firm social cause tied to the fair.

"What many people continue to overlook is how this event mandates that each vendor share their proceeds with a non-profit," Gibson said.

And this year, those vendors will fill up more downtown space than ever. In all, Gibson said stands will be set up along Market Street all the way from Newberry Street to Pine Street.

Continental Square will also be alive with activities stretching north and south between Philadelphia and King streets.

Despite the large number of goods and services that will be available, there will also be plenty of free entertainment. At least a dozen musicians, dance troupes and other traveling forms of entertainment will be on hand to amuse the crowd.

One of those entertainers, Jeff Wisotzkey of Jacobus, is a first-time performer but not a first-time attendee. Wisotzkey will be performing in Cherry Lane with his classic rock band, Close Call.

"I bet I've been to the fair more than 10 times," Wisotzkey said. "This time, it will be nice to be in front of the action."

Wisotzkey has been playing bass for nearly 20 years. But it's only been within the last couple of years that he said he has found the right mix of personalities to keep a band together.

"We are looking to establish the band in the area," Wisotzkey said. "We expect many who see us on Mother's Day will already have heard us somewhere."

Performing songwriter Karen Chronister has been showcasing her talent for almost a decade. The Seven Valleys artist will be performing almost all original materials written, at least in part, by her.

"I love the storytelling aspect of music," said Chronister, who will be singing on the Old Courthouse steps. "Through it, there is a real power to connect with people."

Scott and Jen Smith will be performing as the band Naked Blue. The Baltimore couple, who started performing nearly 17 years ago, is no stranger to York.

The couple performed their blend of Americana-pop in Cherry Lane in years past and can also be heard at the Old Courthouse this year.

"Like Baltimore, York is a city with a small-town feel," Scott Smith said. "Every face feels familiar."

After more than three decades, Gibson said familiarity helps drive the fair's success.

"Our great reputation helps us to continue drawing large crowds," Gibson said. "But that doesn't mean we don't do our best to grow in new directions or find ways to surprise our guests."

-- JOSEPH MALDONADO, FOR FLIPSIDE

If you go

WHAT: 33rd annual Olde York Street Fair

 
WHEN: 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine

 
WHERE: downtown York

 
COST: free