The Manhattan Arts Center’s mission is to enhance lives through art, which they accomplish by holding community events. This Saturday, community members can experience local musicians, artist tents, demonstrations, a ceramics sale, free art and books, a costume garage sale, a printmaking demonstration, hands-on art experiences and more at the annual MAC and Cheese Arts and Music Festival.
This year’s festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is free to all. However, attendees interested in tasting mac and cheese must buy a five-dollar ticket.
Kendra Kuhlman, executive director at the Manhattan Arts Center, said the center was inspired to create the MAC and Cheese Festival to broaden the community opportunities for years to come. This Saturday will mark the third year of the event.
“We wanted to create something we could grow each year — something fun that the entire community could look forward to,” Kuhlman said. “We are called ‘The MAC,’ and one day a staff member suggested, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to do a MAC & Cheese event, playing off our name and mac & cheese?’ The festival was born from there.”
This event cultivates an atmosphere beyond just art. Each year, a high-stakes competition takes place between food trucks. For the past two years, TCB Street Eats has held the gold, but this year’s lineup of food trucks is looking to turn up the competition.
“The other participating food trucks are bringing upleveled MAC & Cheese dishes this year, and the competition will be fierce,” she said. “You don’t want to miss getting a tasting ticket. They will sell out, so get to the festival early.”
As the mac and cheese competition brings the heat, the rest of the festival is focused on showcasing the musical and artistic talent within the community.
“Switch Wicked is our partner for the Music Tent, which will feature all local artists,” Kuhlman said. “Our artist booths include some of our own teaching artists and many community artists from our region. We will also have a beer garden featuring MHK Brewing Co. beers and our own Sangria.”
With over 85 volunteers helping make this event possible, attendees can expect to stay for a while. With all the hands-on activities, music, food and more, you can expect a fun Saturday at the MAC during their annual MAC and Cheese Arts and Music Festival.
