ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The final day of Mayfair drew people from across the region to Cedar Crest College’s Allentown campus Monday.
The annual festival brings a series of musical performances to the campus on Memorial Day weekend, along with dozens of vendors, artisans and food sellers.
The festival’s main performance stage sat at one end of the grassy Cedar Crest quad, in a tent roughly between Curtis Hall and Moore Hall.
It was joined by a second stage — the “performance patio” — at the opposite end of the quad, in the shadow of Blaney Hall.
Spread between them were artists’ and vendors’ tents and food stands. An additional indoor artists’ market inside the Tompkins College Center offered more vendors, many selling art and jewelry, along with a welcome blast of air conditioning.
In all, 17 bands and musicians performed over the three-day fair. More than 50 artisans and vendors sold everything from handmade candles, soaps and brooms to chocolate, plants and leather goods.
Over a dozen food trucks and stands offered a mix of fair food and more substantial eats from local spots.
Attendees and vendors alike said they appreciate Mayfair’s laid-back, friendly feel – along with the sunny weather Sunday.
“We live very busy lives and this is just kind of a down day for us to just kick back and relax, and hear some good music,” said Hector Rivera, visiting from Northampton.
Marisa Sherts, from Lancaster, described Mayfair as “easygoing” and “relaxed.”
“It has a nice flow if you're trying to just walk around and get everywhere,” she said.
“You can't call yourself an Allentonian and not go to Mayfair a couple times."Allentown resident Natalie Melenez
“We have a really good mix of different businesses around and everyone just seems overall happy, in a good mood,” said Allentown resident Natalie Melenez. “It’s so sunny outside – that's totally helping because the last couple years has been rained out over and over again.”
“The people here have been amazing – very friendly,” said Doreen Krebs, a vendor at the fair. “I've heard about how big this show is and how good it is. I tried to get in last year and couldn’t get in, so I tried again this year.”
Mayfair is an especially community-like atmosphere, said Marie Tallman, owner of Pinewater Quilting and a vendor at the festival.
It also draws people with “a real appreciation” for artists and craftspeople like herself, she said – people who “see [the work] as art and appreciate the time and effort you put in it. That doesn't happen at every show.”
For some attendees, Mayfair is also a tradition going back years and a meaningful part of living in the city.
“You can't call yourself an Allentonian and not go to Mayfair a couple times,” said Melenez.
