Sharon, PA - WaterFire Sharon, a world renowned, multi-sensory art event, will engage and fascinate more than 70,000 visitors on July 16, August 20, and September 24, 2016. This free annual event, located in Sharon, PA, is one of the few WaterFire installations around the world. Located in Mercer County, on the Ohio border, the city boasts world-class events and entertainment. Nestled on the banks of the Shenango River, Sharon, PA, welcomes art, culture, and music lovers traveling from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Canada, and far beyond.

WaterFire Sharon features fifty custom-built floating braziers that are anchored in the Shenango River in downtown Sharon, PA. These baskets are filled with wood and set ablaze at nightfall to produce a beautiful, engaging display that is accompanied by live music. Each of these day-long events offers free music, food, performances, and interactive arts experiences that are appropriate for all ages. 

"Since its inaugural event in 2013, WaterFire Sharon has drawn more than 200,000 visitors to Sharon, PA. This festival has become a welcome addition to Sharon's many entertainment, arts, culture, dining, and shopping options that visitors enjoy and return for every year. We invite people to visit www.SharonPa.com and register for the chance to win $100 in Tourism Bucks for their next visit to beautiful downtown Sharon," said Peggy Mazyck, Visit Mercer County PA Executive Director.  

The theme for the July 16, 2016, event is "Through the Decades." Festivities begin at noon and include an artisan marketplace, food vendors, live music, a family-friendly children's art and activity area, interactive street demos, fire performers, a merchandise tent, and more. The actual WaterFire Sharon performances begin at dusk. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through town during the event and see all that Sharon, PA's downtown merchants and eateries have to offer in their charming storefronts.

Other popular annual events in downtown Sharon include the Summer Brown Bag Lunch Weekly Concert Series held every Wednesday at noon and the Small Business Saturday TM Holiday Extravaganza in November.

Sharon, PA, Play and Stay

As part of a WaterFire Sharon event visit, guests can indulge themselves with an overnight stay at one of the area's luxurious inns or affordable family-friendly hotels. Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa, one of America's Top 10 Romantic Inns, offers afternoon tea, champagne reception, and breakfast in bed, as well as a pampering, full-service spa. Tara - A Country Inn, themed on Gone With the Wind, boasts award-winning meals at Ashley's Gourmet Dining Room and casual cuisine at Stonewall's Tavern, plus an indoor and outdoor pool. Park Inn By Radisson features an indoor pool, The Crystal Room restaurant, and JW's Other Club, showcasing live music on weekends. Hampton Inn & Suites Sharon offers family-friendly amenities, including a pool, and serves hot breakfast every morning.