Shepherdstown is gearing up and ready to welcome Streetfest 2015 following a year off from the town-wide event. Scheduled for Saturday, June 27, the free event will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 8:30 p.m.

Hundreds are expected to flood the streets of Shepherdstown to enjoy vendors, bands, food and more.

Event organizer Lori Robertson explained that the year off has allowed the organizers of Streetfest to enlist additional volunteer helpers as well as take a much needed rest from the planning of what is now the town’s largest event.

Robertson recently shared that the organizers have been meeting since August of last year.

“We are super excited about bringing the largest event back to our beloved town,” she said. “Our mission is to raise money for our charities; Shepherdstown Day Care, CASA and the Shepherdstown Fire Department.” She explained that funds raised in 2013 allowed donations totaling more than $11,000.

The event costs approximately $30,000 to produce, Robertson said. Shepherdstown Streetfest is a nonprofit organization, allowing donations to be a tax deduction. Donations are necessary to secure the funding to provide this all-day festival that, in 2013, attracted between 8,000-9,000 people to town.

“We highlight our local shops and restaurants while entertaining our festival-goers with great live music on two stages, and high-quality artisans that line our streets,” Robertson continued. In addition, vendor spaces are available and are placed along German Street. Craft vendors are juried and accepted into the celebration. There will be over 60 artisans at this year’s festival, as well as nine food vendors offering fare along with the local restaurants.

Lead sponsor for the event again this year is Morgan Academy. The academy will offer a kid’s camp once again this year to provide activities for the younger festival-goers.

Go Blue Travel/Shenandoah Valley Kidz Trail serves as the online marketing sponsor for the 2015 event.

Also a major supporter of the festival, Shepherd University will once again provide parking space in all of their lots for visitor parking. Shuttles will run throughout the day from each of the parking lots to transport individuals to the heart of town. Maps of the area will be available online as well as handed out the day of the event.

Two stages will once again offer entertainment throughout the day. The first main stage band will kick off at noon. A listing and schedule of all entertainment will be available as it is finalized.

Many local venues will offer special rates for lodging when Shepherdstown Streetfest is mentioned.

The website, www.shepherdstownstreetfest.org, offers information including the band schedule, artisans gallery, sponsors, kids’ camp information, local links, directions, parking, vendor applications, beer garden rules and lodging information. Check back often for updates to the listings.