LISBON — The Moxie Festival Committee met Thursday, Sept. 20, to begin planning the 2019 festival. The committee also announced the 2019 theme, “Moxie Goes Artsy.” The theme decision was based on a recommendation made by the committee and approved by unanimous decision.

One of the catalysts for the theme was the success of artist Marcea Crawford’s Moxie murals, installed on the Lisbon Community Library during the 2018 festival. Crawford also coordinated the first-ever Moxie Art Walk. When the theme was announced, Crawford said, “My goal was to make art more accessible to Lisbon residents with the murals and art walk. I never imagined the entire festival theme would follow. We will see some amazing floats this year for sure!”

Mark Stevens, Lisbon’s director of Parks and Recreation and a member of the Festival Committee, said it’s a “perfect theme for Moxie … Art comes in many forms and so do Moxie lovers.”

The festival theme is used to set the tone for the festival, inspire and create parade floats, T-shirts, gear and events. In November, the Moxie Festival Committee will begin accepting design nominations for the logo.

The Moxie Festival is always the second weekend in July. The 2019 festival will be held July 12 to 14.

“Moxie Goes Artsy” has been chosen for the festival’s theme for 2019.