Mark your calendars - Old Florida Celebration of the Arts committee has announced the 49th annual event to be held on April 13 & 14, 2013. "I never thought Cedar Key would ever get to host it on the 2nd weekend of April because Gainesville usually has their art festival that weekend" said Mandy Cassiano. Gainesville deciding to move next year`s date up a weekend is great news for Old Florida Celebration of the Arts which is used to going up against bigger art festivals throughout the state including Tampa and Melbourne. By choosing the 2nd weekend the OFCA committee is confident that crowds will be larger than usual. 
Mary Bottenberg
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The Cedar Key Arts Center had two other big announcements last month with the hiring of a new administrator position and replacement for the arts festival coordinator. The Arts Center formed a selection committee who interviewed many viable candidates in early April. Mary Bottenberg of Cedar Key has been selected as the Art Center`s first Program Administrator which was developed to help promote all CKAC activities and will provide administrative needs throughout the year. Mary moved to Cedar Key in 2010 and joined the CKAC board shortly after. She has been involved in many community projects including working for the Chamber of Commerce at the Welcome Center. "Mary is the perfect fit for this position and we look forward to her help as she continues to support the growth of the Arts Center" said Bev Ringenberg, a member of the selection committee. Art Festival Coordinator Mandy Cassiano announced her resignation earlier this year. "I am so happy that I was able to do the festival for 3 years. It`s been such a wonderful opportunity for me and I feel with the help of the past committee members and good direction from the CKAC Board it will keep growing" she said. 
Laura Matson Hahn
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Laura Hahn will take over as Event Coordinator beginning July 1. She will oversee everything related to the festival from applying for grants, soliciting top quality fine artists, finding sponsors, and running the event. "With an extensive background in communications, Laura has much to offer to the festival and Cedar Key" said Arts Center President, Peter Klocksien. Laura and her husband spend the summers in New Hope, PA and will be back in Cedar Key this fall. "Laura has an enthusiasm and expertise that will greatly contribute to the festival`s growth and continued development. We are very happy with the job Mandy did and welcome Laura to the new position" Peter said. | 