Milford’s Historical Society cancels Annual Art Affaire for 2020

Milford, Ohio – The Greater Milford Area Historical Society (GMAHS) has announced the cancellation of its 15^th Annual Art Affaire due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. The Art Affaire, an art and fine craft show, is a primary fundraiser for the Society held yearly on the fourth Saturday of September along Main Street (U.S. Route 50) in Milford, Ohio.

“This was a difficult decision,” says Donna Amann, GMAHS administrator, “however, the health and safety of everyone involved – artists, attendees, event sponsors, food vendors, GMAHS staff and volunteers, and Milford’s Main Street businesses – cannot be overstated. We felt this was the only viable solution for 2020.”

Art Affaire is a significant source of income for GMAHS, and it is a much-anticipated event for the City of Milford. The committee explored several alternatives before making the cancellation decision, but it could not offer a solution that would ensure its ability to meet state, city and festival COVID-19 guidelines.

“While we are cancelling the event for this year,” comments Martha Kleinfelter, chair, Art Affaire committee, “we plan to bring Art Affaire back in 2021. We have already set our December planning meeting to get that ball rolling. Additionally, the cancellation will allow our loyal sponsors more time to rebuild, after many suffered financial set-backs due to the pandemic. Under the current circumstances, we felt the decision to cancel would be best for all who participate in Art Affaire.”

About Art Affaire

Art Affaire is a juried, outdoor art and fine craft show held on Main Street in historic Milford, Ohio and is a key fundraiser for the Greater Milford Area Historical Society (GMAHS). Initiated in 2005, Art Affaire has significantly grown each year and now features over 115 artists, live music and entertainment and food. Art Affaire, which is free and open to the public, is held annually the fourth Saturday in September. For more information, visit www.MilfordHistory.net or www.Facebook.com/artaffaire.

About Greater Milford Area Historical Society

The Greater Milford Area Historical Society, Inc. (a 501c3, non-profit) was founded in 1967 with the purpose of emphasizing the history of Milford. A small historic museum was started at 114 Main Street. In 1983, the Society relocated to its present location, Promont, located at 906 Main Street, Milford, Ohio. Promont was the home of John M. Pattison, 43^rd Governor of Ohio and the only governor from Clermont County. In addition to improvements to the Museum, the Society has expanded its historical programs and collaborative initiatives in the community; and, also broadened its scope to include Miami Township. The GMAHS is especially proud of its Partners-in-Education programs in the Milford schools, an award winning effort of the Society’s volunteers; the project to record oral histories of local residents; genealogy services; and, its annual Art Affaire, Milford’s premier art and fine craft show. For more information, visit www.MilfordHistory.net or follow GMAHS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/milfordohiohistoricalsociety.