Martin on Main: A Record-Setting Year Despite Precipitation

Ominous clouds and a bit of unwanted rain didn’t stop throngs from gathering for Martin on Main -- in what was its fourth year -- this past Saturday.

The highly anticipated event ended three hours early due to rain, but nonetheless downtown Nazareth saw thousands of feet heading between stages -- one at the , one at the  and another, the main stage, at Center Square.

To allow for additional vendors, this year’s festival stretched farther than its predecessors, taking up an entire extra block along Main Street.

“People still came out [despite the rain],” said Tina Smith, president of the . “I honestly think more people came out this year than past years.”

The almost all-day event saw dozens of talented acoustic performances by musicians from the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum, which was accompanied by artists of all genres showcasing their craft.

According to Smith, all 64 vendors who signed up to attend the 4th Annual Martin on Main festival showed up, ignoring forecasters and insisting on having a good time. Businesses from as far as Emmaus, Allentown and even Camp Hill attended.

“A lot of people are out-of-towners,” said Mandy Cook, co-owner of in Lower Nazareth Township. “They plan for this all year.”

Some of the highlights included:

• ., the Upper Nazareth Township-based company founded in 1836. The world-renowned guitar maker set up a booth at the far end of the festival where guests could pick up and try their hand at playing a Martin Guitar. The company also raffled off an official Martin, valued at $2,100.
• Musicians played a variety of instruments on three different stages, as well as various points along the route. Most of the performances were acoustic and included banjos, violins, mandolins, drums and, of course, guitars.
• was on hand with its award-winning local wines, serving samples and glasses.
• The Bethlehem Brew Works sold beer, including a special summer ale crafted just for the Martin festival called "Martin Strummin'."
• and McCann School of Business and Technology offered foot and back rubs to weary walkers.
• Chick-Fil-A, and were just a few of the many food vendors that helped make the festival smell wonderful.
• and Nazareth Harmony were two of several musical experts to set up a booth, showing off handcrafted instruments and knowledge.
• And, finally, Nazareth Patch was at its first Martin on Main festival, giving out Patch swag to anyone who signed up for the daily newsletter... and to adorable kids who just wanted to spin the prize wheel!