Enjoy Paradise City this holiday


New Century Theatre and PaintBox Theatre will share the stage in the red Morgan Building Two, alternating a series of one-act plays and collaborative children's theater.

NORTHAMPTON There's no better way to spend Memorial Day Weekend than with a trip to Northampton's "Springtime in Paradise," just named the #1 art fair in America and surely the most exciting juried show and sale of museum-quality craft, art and sculpture in New England. Welcome the 250 artists traveling from 30 states, and enjoy this extraordinary opportunity to furnish your home, fill your closet and decorate your walls with artful delights in every media and price range.

Founded by artists and produced from an artist's prospective, the outstanding selection of work and the creative swirl of activities all weekend make this spring's Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton one-of-a-kind.

Now in its fourth year, the festival will take place May 24-26 at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton.

New additions

There's always something new and this spring Paradise City brings performances for the whole family into the mix. New Century Theatre and PaintBox Theatre share the stage in the red Morgan Building Two, alternating a series of one-act plays and collaborative children's theater. Plus, you'll see the works of 55 artists making their Northampton debuts in every media, from paintings and sculpture to glass, weaving and ceramics. Enjoy a wide selection of exciting activities such as "The Paradise City Collection," a Silent and Live Art Auction to benefit WGBY Public Television or a host of artful projects hosted by the Fiber Art Center. Go "green" and help construct a huge globe made of recycled materials.

Cool jazz and fabulous food

Dine to the artful sounds of live music from swinging vocals and solo sax to sizzling Latin Tango. The mouth-watering food, offered up by some of Northampton's finest chefs, includes two exciting new restaurants this spring.

The outdoor sculpture garden & courtyard

From birdbaths, fountains and handmade outdoor seating to large-scale sculpture, Paradise City's lush sculpture garden is a wellspring of fantastic ideas for your home landscape. Cast your vote for the "People's Choice Awards for Outstanding Outdoor Art."

And more

After the festival, be sure to visit Northampton itself, declared "The Best Small Art Town in America" and "New England's Restaurant Central." Come and enjoy all that Paradise City has to offer.

The indoor and outdoor festival, located on Rte 9 and Old Ferry Road, will take place rain or shine, Memorial Day weekend 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, seniors and students are $8 and a weekend pass is $15. Under age 12 is free.