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Community Corner

Martin On Main a Resounding Success Despite Deluge of Moisture

A rain-shortened Martin On Main doesn't take away the success of the event's first four hours, which featured musicians from The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum.

For about four hours Saturday, over 3,000 people -- from as far away as England -- packed into downtown Nazareth for the .

Presented by the , the event celebrated the one-and-only with live music, delicious food, over 20 artisan vendors and much more.

And then...

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Mother Nature offered a deluge of moisture. Martin On Main attendees ran for cover, huddling under tents and awnings.

While thunder boomed in the direction of Easton -- heading soon for Nazareth -- a musician broke out his guitar and performed under the dry safety of porch.

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Unfortunately, , the event ended early due to the uncertainty of Mother Nature's mood Saturday night.

But the first half of the 5th annual Martin On Main was a resounding success.

Musicians from the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum performed acoustic guitar music at the main stage on Center Square. Clay Hess, a Grammy-award winning bluegrass artist, was this year's headliner.

Hess has toured for three years with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, and is widely considered one of the hottest flat-pickers on the bluegrass circuit. In 2005 and 2009,  created two limited-run Clay Hess Signature models.

Shaun Hopper, an acoustic "fingerstyle" guitar player, performed for folks who refused to be deterred by the storm.

The dryer portion also included:

  • Over 20 artisans displayed their talents and sold their work.
  • Local restaurants brought a tasting of their cuisines.
  • Bethlehem Brew Works joined for a fifth year, crafting a unique brew to celebrate the festival.
  • Franklin Hill Vineyards featured local wine.
  • Martin Guitar had a special display that featured the history of the company.
  • Martin Guitar products were available for purchase.

Martin On Main was also about giving back. Martin Guitar raffled off an HD28 Siris Wood Test guitar valued at $3,000. All of the raffle's proceeds benefited non-profit organizations.

Here's to a 100 percent dry 2013!

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