Chelsea group announces return of Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights

CHELSEA – The Chelsea Area Festivals & Events (CAFE) Committee has been carefully considering the next steps for the 2021 summer series of events. CAFE continues to remain steadfast in its mission to promote quality performing and visual arts throughout the year.

“Together, we are committed to bringing fun and vibrancy to downtown Chelsea in a way that is flexible, adaptable, and prioritizes the well-being of our community,” said CAFE Board President Craig Common.

The committee outlined their re-imagined 2021 events as follows:

  • The 2021 Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights (SSTN) summer concert season will be shortened to tentatively run from July 1 – August 12, with seven stages instead of 10.

  • The Sounds & Sights Festival weekend at the end of July is canceled for 2021 due to concern for public health and the long-range planning process.  Plans have begun for a revamped return in 2022.

  • The 12th annual SculptureWalk Chelsea is on schedule with 14 new installations planned in June throughout the downtown area.

“It was a difficult decision to not move forward with the Festival weekend,  but there are still too many what-ifs associated with any go-forward plan. Safety is the most important criteria in our decision-making process, we don’t want to risk the safety and health of volunteers, vendors, participants, and guests in any situation that we don’t have answers for today,” said Common.

Given the changes outlined above, the committee also decided not to hold a formal sponsorship drive in 2021 for Sounds & Sights.   Fortunately, the expected costs for the limited 2021 Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights can be covered thanks to sponsorships and grants collected in 2020.

“We look forward to enjoying Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights and SculptureWalk together in 2021 and to the return of the Summer Festival including the Social Tent and Main Stage, KidZone, Chalk Art Contest, Art Market, and the Classic Car Show in 2022,” said CAFE Boardmember Gary Munce.

CAFE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that coordinates “SculptureWalk Chelsea,” “Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights,” and “Sounds and Sights Festival.”  Their open-air events are known for music, dance, comedy, art, and family entertainment, which contribute to Chelsea being a great place to live, work and visit. Their events are possible thanks to the support of local businesses, residents, non-profits, and many volunteers in the community.

For more information visit www.chelseafestivals.com.

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