SALISBURY -- The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the 31st Annual Salisbury Festival, presented by Toyota, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment, and the City of Salisbury, on April 26-28, in downtown Salisbury and Riverwalk Park.

One of the primary goals of the festival is to provide an opportunity for local non-profit organizations to raise money for their cause and to get the word out about the many good things that they are doing for our community. Live entertainment, local artisans, shopping, carnival rides and games, children’s activities, food, a car show and so much more will make up the three-day festival.

Toyota, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment, and the City of Salisbury play an instrumental role in guaranteeing a safe and successful Salisbury Festival. The festival’s major festival supporter is Comcast.

The Riverwalk Friday Night Block Party (sponsored by Pepsi) takes place from 4-11 p.m. on Friday, April 26 with food, carnival rides, games and more. The opening ceremony will start at 6 p.m. which includes a ribbon cutting to kick off the weekend’s festivities.

Saturday morning the 8th Annual Ben Layton 5K Run/Walk to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be held at the Salisbury Zoo. Registration will begin at the east entrance of the zoo at 8 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m. Also Saturday morning, the Salisbury Fire Department’s Annual Medal’s Day Ceremony will take place from 9-11 a.m. on the steps in front of the Government Office Building. This ceremony provides an opportunity for members of the Salisbury Fire Department, surrounding county fire departments and civilians to be recognized for exceptional performance levels or achievements obtained the previous calendar year.  

Saturday’s festivities continue with the Park & Flea market in the parking lot in front of the State Office Complex off of Route 13. This market offers something for everyone including antiques, collectibles, yard sale items, produce, plants, and much more.

Stop by to watch local performance groups on the Court Street Stage (sponsored by Salisbury Roller Girls) and then stroll through the Arts on the Plaza on Saturday and enjoy the local crafters and artisans. Main Street Marketplace will include dozens of local non-profit organizations and commercial exhibitors with displays and activities. The classic car show hosted by the Wheels That Heal Car Club will also take place on East Main Street from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday. As always, enjoy a taste of the Eastern Shore by sampling food from our many local food vendors.

The Shore Fresh Growers Farmer’s Market will also be set up from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. near East Main and Division streets. Local growers/producers will have various fresh seasonal produce, homemade jams and salsas, soy candles, herb plants, fresh baked goods, and more.

Make sure to stop by East Main and Division Street for “It Takes a Village” from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Empower Wicomico will have free activities for kids of all ages including making sock puppets, corn hole, painting, coloring, Legos, a scavenger hunt, and face painting.

New this year will be an International Beer Festival on Saturday, April 27 from 4-8 p.m. in Riverwalk Park. Sample and learn about dozens of beers from around the world. Music by On The Edge also from 4-8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets for the International Beer Festival are $25/person prior to the event and $30/person at the door.

There is still space for commercial, arts and crafts and non-profit vendors for this event. Call the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce at 410-749-0144.