NEWPORT -- Vendors set up wares Saturday along Southgate Alley, a stretch of brick road tucked between York and Monmouth streets that is filled with historic brick and wrought-iron-adorned buildings.
The artists stood close enough to their stations to keep watch, but spent most of their time chatting with visitors or dancing to the live music from a stage nearby.
The new location for Newport's Arts and Music Festival succeeded in making people feel transported. The alley had the feel of a long-forgotten gem tucked behind modern developments. The music area and children's activity center turned the urban center into a recreational haven. And tours of the under-construction Newport Aquarium created a vision of the city's future.
"This is working well because we're showing off our art and we're in an art area," said Rhonda Deaton. She operates Rhonda Sue Ceramics in Newport with Pat Everson and Ken Turner.
Last year, the festival was on Eighth Street between Monmouth and York.
The Rhonda Sue Ceramics group said they liked the new atmosphere. "We're trying to get out into the community and let people know what we do," Ms. Everson said.
Artists were strictly local -- from Alexandria, Cincinnati, Fort Thomas, Ludlow and Newport.
Visitors came from a little farther away.
Sixteen-year-old friends Karen Smith, Andrea Montgomery and Danielle Murray came from Western Hills to hear Lube Oil & Filter play. The rockabilly band is from Mason.
Newport residents Bill and Patti Ravenscraft said this year's breezy weather and more spacial spot made the festival more enjoyable.
"I like it here better than last year," said Kim Popil, a Newport photographer. "It's just prettier."
The Newport Arts and Music Festival continues from noon to 9 p.m. today.
