SALISBURY — The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce has announced a new annual community celebration planned for downtown Salisbury along the Riverwalk this fall.
“Torches – Celebrating Community” is a celebration that aspires to showcase the community, arts and culture of the local region. This occasion will provide an opportunity for all ages to come together in celebration of the renaissance and re-birth of the downtown Salisbury community.
Each evening will kick off with a mesmerizing opening ceremony that will light up the river and transform downtown. Torches will have an arts focus, showcasing the talents of visual and performing artists in the community.
Arts-related activities will include a downtown Salisbury plein air paint out, a main stage featuring the best of music, dance and theater performances and an arts exhibition showcasing an array of artistic talents from blown glass, paintings and printmaking to sculptures, pottery and jewelry. There will also be a luminary field full of glowing luminaries, delicious food, live musical entertainment, a carnival and much more.
Businesses will be able to directly participate and interact in the lighting ceremony by sponsoring a torch. Non-profits and community organizations will have the opportunity to fundraise by selling luminaries and torches.
A structured committee of community leaders and volunteers has been planning the event for over a year in coordination with Wicomico County and City of Salisbury officials to attract people from the local community as well as the Mid-Atlantic region. During its inaugural year, the celebration will take place during Salisbury University’s 27th Annual Sea Gull Century Ride, which will provide an attraction for the visiting families of riders.
“After over a year at the drawing board, we have been anxious to share the news about a brand new event that will transform our downtown” Tony Nichols, chairman of the SACC Board said. “We are excited to see Torches evolve into a regional celebration and a long standing and honored tradition for Salisbury.”
“Our downtown will be illuminated and alive during the weekend of Oct. 2-4,” Stephanie Willey, Torches Chair and Past SACC President, said. “Torches will be full of energy, people, the arts – a community coming together to celebrate with pride where we live, work and play.”
For more information and sponsorship inquiries, call Sophia Smecker at 410-749-0144.