"Traditionally, the festival was held the first week of August when it was either hot or rainy," he said. "But last year, after 34 years, we decided to move it to September, taking advantage of the fall climate."
Organizers also decided to expand the event to encompass the entire City Park, Bryan said. In addition to the Jonathan Hager House, venues are offered at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, the Mansion House Art Gallery and the Railroad Museum.
"Things went so well last year," he said, "we've added activities at the park's band shell."
Bryan said organizers expect about 7,000 people to attend the festival, which continues Sunday.
"There's something for everyone," he said. "There are traditional crafts at the Hager House, art at the museum and Mansion House, exhibits at the Railroad Museum and music throughout the park."
There are also numerous children's activities, including balloon sculpting, storytelling, barrel cart rides, pony rides and a petting zoo.
Bryan said the festival "allows people to see what City Park has to offer."
"This is more than an arts festival," he said. "It's a community celebration -- a City Park celebration."
The festival is free and a hay wagon will shuttle visitors from each venue within the park.
Among the festival-goers were Mike and Carol Polansky of Hagerstown, who were working their way across the park from the Railroad Museum.
"There is so much to see and do," said Carol Polansky. "I think it's a great way to showcase the park. I liked Frontier Craft Days, but this is even better."
