JACKSON – The area’s artist community is gearing up to display their works and talents against the back drop of the historical Northampton County Courthouse.

On Saturday, the 4th Annual Community Arts Day will return to Northampton County, this time with a different venue located in the Courthouse Square behind the Northampton County Courthouse. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m.

“There will be entertainment, food, crafts, artists will display their work and the winners of the Northampton County schools (public and private) arts contest will also be announced,” said Judy Collier, Chair of the Northampton County Cultural Arts Committee, the entity that organizes the event.

Poet Phillip Shabazz of Carrboro County is the writer-in-residence who worked with the students on poetry.

“People need to come out and support our local artists and support the school children,” Collier said.

Collier said the event will feature artists from Northampton, Hertford and Halifax counties.

Vendors will be on site as well selling jewelry, handcrafted clocks, homemade jams and jellies, and face painting. Food will be available for purchase, including BBQ chicken, barbecue and turkey sandwiches, lemonade and popcorn.

The program schedule for the event is as follows:

 12 noon

Welcome by Judy Collier, Mistress of Ceremony

Invocation by Robert Carter, Chair of the Northampton County Board of Commissioners

Recognition of special guests

Opening of the Spring Concert Performers by Rhonda Holmes, Community Arts Day Coordinator

Introduction of Phillip Shabazz, Poet and Writer-in-Residence

The Poetry Corner featuring poetry and dance expressions presented by the students of NorthamptonCountyHigh School.

 1 p.m.

Performers

Music from SPIRIT

Jackie Ruffin – TBA

Special Presentations

Introduction of local artists

Certificates of participation

Announcement of winners and presentation of gifts

Closing remarks