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To all Arties young and old, far and wide:
We are pleased to formally announce that Artie Fest 2011 will take place July 15 - 17th back home in Martinsville this summer. For those of you who attended the inaugural Artie Fest celebration, you know what a tremendous event it turned out to be. For those of you who missed out on all of the fun and good times, now is the time to mark your calendars and plan on being a part of round two of the greatest homecoming and community celebration of its kind in the State of Indiana.
What started out as a few friends and former classmates conversing on Facebook has exploded into a very significant community event that is still being talked about many months removed from last years big weekend. The stories that have been born out of Artie Fest are moments out of a Frank Capra feel good movie that range from the formation of an active Community Band, the creation of a Summer Film Festival on the town square, and the formation of a Scholarship fund, to the reuniting and reconnecting of friends over decades of time, to proposals of marriage, and yes, a couple of long lost lovers even tied the knot.
There have been numerous random acts of kindness that might never have happened without the many channels of communication that resulted from the Artesian Well Facebook page, and from the many connections made and the collective Artesian pride re-birthed through Artie Fest.
There has also been a team of people who worked quietly and tirelessly behind the scenes to make certain the first Artie Fest was a smashing success, and that same group of people is again working tirelessly to ensure that Artie Fest II tops the original. That very same group has forged such strong ties and confidence in each others abilities to make things happen that they will be called upon to be a formidable force for good on other initiatives in the community.
The events planned will again include the Artie Fest Golf Tournament, Friday night Lion's Club fish fry downtown on the square, 1950's style music and dance competition, Cinema on the Square featuring the classic musical 'Grease,' and live musical performances by outstanding Artesian musicians. Saturday morning pancake breakfast, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club. On Saturday, highlights include a Kiwanis pancake breakfast, a Classic Car Show, the very popular "Artie FEAST" being held this year at the High School Cafeteria and the fantastic Artie Fest Celebration Show. The Celebration will, once again, feature a range of Martinsville Artesian musical talent, the Alumni Cheerleaders and Color Guard, retired teacher Pat Brown and his cast of legendary Martinsville teachers and coaches who will reminisce about life and times at Martinsville High, and custom produced music videos guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and remember 'your' experience at MHS. Like last year, Saturday wraps up with the all class reunion Sock Hop at the High School Cafeteria.
Sunday morning will include a community worship service, and on Sunday afternoon, Artie Fest 2011 will conclude with a picnic at the Jimmy Nash City Park, featuring a cornhole tournament, games and activities for the kids, and live musical entertainment.
Already, several classes have planned their class reunions around Artie Fest Weekend, and we encourage others to do the same. As great as last years gathering was, the sequel will exceed the original. Don't waste a moment in making your decision to attend and we will look forward to seeing you back in Martinsville in July.
Once an Artesian, Always an Artesian!
The Artie Fest 2011 Planning Committee