This year, the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC) will not host a West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival. Created in 2003, this free festival was held annually in June, and completed its 8th year in 2011. Over the years, the festival attracted audiences of up to a half-million people during the three-day period the events took place.
For almost a decade, the event drew tourists from around the country and the world. The festival’s main purpose was to introduce local Delaware Valley families and businesses to the area. One of OARC’s goals for the festival was to establish West Oak Lane as a healthy, viable community for families and businesses to relocate within the region. The real importance of this event has been its role in restoring a once-dying commercial area and decaying residential zone, transforming the community into a vibrant family and business friendly destination.
OARC is extremely proud of the international acclaim the festival has received and the results of a transformed and rebranded community. There is no denying the economic impact that the festival has had on local businesses. Our vision moving forward is to present a new Arts & Culture series to showcase the best local and regional upcoming talent. OARC plans to create opportunities to display local talent, local artists, and local entertainers, in various venues throughout the year. We are proud of what has been accomplished thus far and will continue the OARC mission of revitalization by creating events that have the same meaningful purpose as the West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival.
We thank all of the artists, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors, agencies and attendees who have participated and contributed to make the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival a success. OARC looks forward to your continued support, as we transition to the new Arts and Culture series.
OARC is charged with creating innovative solutions to enable individuals and businesses to make a wider range of products and services available locally. Through valuable partnerships and innovative programs, OARC is a fresh wind in the field of community development, proving that no community goal is too ambitious. In the process, we will continue to provide hope and inspiration to residents of all communities. Change is inevitable, growth is intentional.
For information and updates about future OARC events, please visit our website.
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