Rhubarb Days vs. the Sumner Art Festival

Sometimes when there is an extensive amount of confusion about an event or events, that confusion can be carried over to the next year.  Already, the Sumner Downtown Association is seeing this  when it comes to distinguishing the difference between Rhubarb Days and the Sumner Art Festival.

As many of you know, last year Rhubarb Days was held in mid-July followed by what was then called the Sumner Art and Rhubarb Pie Festival (old Sumner Art Festival) which was held the first weekend in August. 

Rhubarb Days was supported, managed and run by the Sumner Downtown Association; while the Sumner Art and Rhubarb Pie Festival was run by the Puyallup-Sumner Chamber of Commerce. 

Rhubarb Days was in its second year of infancy and the Sumner Art and Rhubarb Pie Festival, while operating a new name, was a Sumner icon event with nearly 40 years under its belt.  Still, no matter how many articles were written or no matter how many calls were answered and the difference between the two explained, the confusion continued.  Once more, I wish merely to clarify the difference between the two hoping to address any confusion that remains.

Let's begin with Rhubarb Days. This event was established to celebrate Sumner's agricultural history as well our overall history as a community.  This event encompasses a more down-home feel and incorporates many fun activities for the whole family.  This year, you can expect to experience:  Live entertainment in the Heritage Park Friday evening (compliments of Music Off Main sponsored by the Sumner Arts Commission), and a variety of live music on Saturday.  Saturday will also welcome our second annual Children's Farming Parade, children's games in Heritage Park, a mini-farmers market, a Rhubarb Bake-off, an old-fashioned Rhubarb Pie Eating Contest, a Petting Zoo, our Annual Scavenger Hunt, History Walks and Tours, Aprons as Art in the Park, a community dance in Heritage Park Saturday evening (7:00 pm to 10:00 pm) and of course, food.  Additionally, we have added handcrafter booths and a Rhubarb Beer Garden (located outside the park).  Sunday will include all the above plus a great community talent show.  Event hours will be Saturday July 13th - 9:00 am (parade), 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.  Sunday, July 14th  will be 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  If you'd like to be a craft vendor, booth spaces are $75 each with a $10 application fee. 

Now, lets address the Sumner Fine Arts Festival which will be held August 2nd, 3rd and 4th.  The Sumner Downtown Association was asked to assume the management of this event in January of this year.  We agreed to do so with a zero dollar budget - we assumed this event after our 2013 budget was established.  So, we will rely on sponsorships and booth fees to build and support the event.

With a great amount of input from merchants, vendors and attendees, we have decided to take this event back to grass roots by presenting Jazz, Art, Wine and of course, our Community Food Court supported by non-profits and service organizations.  What can you expect to find during this three day event?  Of course there will be selections of art ranging from high end crafted goods to refined works of art. There will be an off-site Wine Garden presented by Toscano's Friday and Saturday during the festival.  Friday evening we will welcome yet another Music Off Main Concert (presented by the Sumner Arts Commission).  Live jazz entertainment will be presented in Heritage Park throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.  So, you can shop the local stores, visit the art vendors, enjoy some great food while supporting local service clubs/organizations, picnic in the park while you are entertained by some of the best jazz in the area or enjoy a glass of wine.  This event will run Friday and Saturday between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  if you would like to have an artist booth at the Fine Arts Festival, the cost is $175 plus a $20 application fee. 

Hopefully, I've cleared up the mystery and the difference between the two events.  While the idea of Sumner being known as the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World is not widely understood by the community, the City of Sumner is working to build our reputation on this while making Sumner a great destination location.  So, they have created the Rhubarb Pie Festival which will encompass all events taking place between June 28th through August 18th.  The Sumner Downtown Association is proud to include our events in this extended festival as we build our reputation as the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World.

For more information about participating in either of the above mentioned events, please go to www.sumnerdowntown.com.  Please click on the Events tab.  Then select the event for which you are interested.  There you will find vendor applications and artist prospectus.  Food vendors are asked to contact Laurie  via email:  Laurie@sumnerdowntown.com. 

When all is said an done, many communities enjoy these summer events such as Bonney Lake, Pacific, Orting, Sumner and even Puyallup.  The Sumner Downtown Association is encouraged by the participation in each of these festivals while also looking forward to welcoming local community members and tourists.