SMETHPORT — With new activities added to the schedule this year, the second annual “Arts on the Island” arts and crafts show on June 23-24 at Smethport’s Hamlin Lake Park, promises to bigger and better.

Admission is free both days for the family-friendly activities.

Over the course of the two days at Hamlin Lake Park, one of the borough’s famous and beautiful landmarks, various vendors will be exhibiting and selling their contemporary and heritage arts and crafts.

Bart Barton, who returns as chairman of the event that is sponsored by the McKean County Historical Society, said, “The exhibitors will feature pottery, photography, paintings, jewelry, to name a few, giving visitors insight into the creative processes and viewing the artisans’ latest works.”

Barton said vendor space is still available. “Often, many vendors don’t return their applications until about a month prior to the event. We mark the applications with numbers as they are returned so the vendors get their choices of shady spots on the island. That makes a difference.”

Event officials will meet approximately a week ahead of the event to prepare a layout showing the vendors’ locations.

Entertainers’ slots are also available. Applications for vendors, entertainers are available at the society’s Old Jail Museum on West King Street in Smethport.

Luminaries are new activities this year. Smethport artist Stephanie Keifer, who recommended this addition, said, “The white bags and flameless candles, will be part of bags that include sand for stability, as well as instructions for the luminaries, ‘Arts on the Island’ schedule; Old Jail Museum program card and a flyer for the society’s Tick Fest on May 19,” Barton said.

Keifer said people can personalize these white paper bags in memory of someone. Children may even want to decorate them.

According to Barton, “At approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, the bags are to be placed around the lake’s edge. Then, about an hour later, the candles, which have a life of four to five hours, will be lit prior to the fireworks display.”

When Keifer recommended these luminaries placed around part of the lake, she said, “They will highlight the lake’s beauty at night.”

The luminaries cost $3 and are available in Smethport at The Hubber Café and Hamlin Bank and Trust Company and in Port Allegany at the main office and branch office of Juniata Valley Bank and Citizens Trust Company.

Luminary bags can be taken to the society’s booth from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. They can be retrieved at the same booth from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The ceremonial burning of unclaimed luminary bags is slated for 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Keifer assists the planning committee with marketing “Arts on the Island.” Barton said, “She painted the banner advertising the event that will be displayed across West Main Street at State Street after Memorial Day and repainted part of it to add the new dates.”

Gary Hoy and Francis “Tubby” Colella of the Street Dreams Car Club in Bradford, are chairing the car show. Cars begin arriving at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Shortly after the car show judging at about 4 p.m. the cars are invited to join the parade, another new event this year. “The plan,” Barton said, “is to have parade proceed east on Willow Street to Mechanic and north to Main Street and west to Washington Street and south to the entrance of Hamlin Lake Park, where it will disband.”

Barton said Megan Simms of the Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce is assisting with the parade planning. “We are looking for floats from any sponsor in the county since The Old Jail Museum is a county facility. Children are encouraged to decorate their bicycles and follow the parade,” he said.

Members of the Smethport Lions Club will be present to accept donations of old eyeglasses and hearing aids.

Saturday’s other events are a street dance sponsored by the chamber of commerce and the fireworks sponsored by the Smethport Fire Department.

The Long Branch Saloon will be open at the Smethport American Legion.

Sunday’s schedule includes the Smethport Rotary Club’s Duck Race at 2 p m. Tickets are available from any Rotarian and during the two-day event.