NORWAY — For 50 years the Norway Arts Festival has been primarily focused on visual art from talented Western Maine artists. But exciting changes are coming this year and the event will now be known as the Norway Music and Arts Festival.

Festival organizer Jonathan Leavitt, from Moovin On Productions, explained the change. “Essentially it came down to moving an event forward and becoming inclusive toward the wide range of art that exists in both western Maine and beyond. There is a tremendous amount of talented musicians, video artists, theater folks, circus folks, dancers, writers, poets and more here in the area. We want the festival to be welcoming to them and they certainly want to participate.”

Some things will remain the same, organizers indicated, including the closure of Main Street and the commitment to a family-friendly event. But beyond that, organizers say they want to bring new energy and excitement, including a wide variety of musical performances that cross genres; a noon New Orleans-style street parade; a children’s vending area; a significant presence of street performers; and many new additions that will be announced over the next few months.

Anyone interested in helping out with or vending at the event can contact organizers at moovinonproductions@gmail.com.