48th Dorchester Showcase heads downtown

CAMBRIDGE - For nearly five decades, the last Sunday in September has been a community arts holiday on historic High Street in Cambridge

For the 48th year, the DAC Showcase returns Sunday, September 29, with a slightly different route into the heart of the Cambridge Arts and Entertainment District.

The event gets underway at noon until 5 p.m., along the 300 block of High Street, Poplar, the 400 block of Race Street, and Gay Street. The Dorchester County Public Library parking area beside Spring Street will also be part of this year’s Showcase venue, where people can sign up for free Skipjack Nathan cruises throughout the afternoon.

Art lovers can enjoy browsing among the 72 artisans. Food lovers can sample an array of culinary offerings from 12 food vendors.

Among the purveyors of edible delights strollers can find Cousins Maine Lobster, Martha’s Ice Cream and Mexican food, Tiff’s Tasty Treats and Snowballs, Mrs. Martins Cookies and Lemonade, Heavenly Baked Goods by LeLe Stanley and more, including a festival highlight, funnel cakes.

Free live entertainment will be featured on several stages on Cannery Way, behind Blue Ruin, and outside the Arts Center. Among those performing will be the Eastern Shore Dance Academy, Easton Improv, The Mid-Shore Community Band, Les Rayne, Bylar Gordon of S.O.A.R. (Serving Our Awesome Redeemer), and a sign language performance artist.

Youth vendors will include Aubrey and Michael Torres, offering glitter tattoos, Mar’Kyah Cooper with baked goods, New Beginnings Youth & Family Services art display for public voting, Savanah Weber’s handmade and crocheted items, My Beaded Culture with beaded jewelry, and Monae’s Lemonade.

According to Showcase Coordinator Lynette Wongus, in lieu of payment for vending space each participant is contributing items to be included in baskets made up for fundraising raffles.

Downtown shops and eateries will also be open, Wongus said.

Billed by DCA as a free, family-friendly way to “Celebrate Our Creative Community,” the Showcase is held rain or shine, with generous support from the Nathan Foundation, the Maryland State Arts Council, and DCA’s staff and volunteers.

For information about Dorchester Showcase, call DAC at 410-228-7782 or Lynette Wongus at 410-417-7915.