Vendors can apply to participate in annual downtown arts festival

LYNN – LynnArts is accepting applications from artists, crafters and food vendors for the annual Meet Me Downtown Festival of the Arts.The family-friendly event will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 in Central Square from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Live music, children’s activities, art shows, performances, food booths and vendor exhibition tables are all part of the celebration hosted by LynnArts, the office of Mayor Edward Clancy Jr. and the Lynn Office of Economic and Community Development.Last year’s festival drew more than 3,000 people, according to LynnArts Executive Director Susan Halter. Featured performers scheduled to play include the 15-piece Black Sea Salsa Band, which focuses on world music, Black, Afro, Cuban, jazz and blues.The Mystery Tramps from Lynnfield and the Joe Mack Band from Nahant round out the entertainment lineup.”The festival is free and held rain or shine,” said Halter, noting that the epicenter of activity may be shifted toward Mt. Vernon Street this year, depending on the progress of ongoing construction in the area.”If we can close off Mt. Vernon Street, it’ll be easier on the bands,” she said.For more information about the event, call Halter at 781-598-5244 or Pauline Sabino at 781-581-9399.