Nearly 2,000 people enjoyed the first Annual Arts Alive festival throughout the day Saturday at the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza in Woodbridge.

This free event open to the public, was organized by the Prince William County Arts Council and the Prince William County Park Authority.

The event included 13 live performances by different local musical organizations from the all over the county including the Woodbridge Dance Company, Youth Orchestras of Prince William and Prince William Chorale.

Jay Ellington, the Executive Director for the PWC Park authority and a volunteer for the event, explained that this was the first Arts Alive festival and he hopes it won’t be the last.

“The great thing about our community is the opportunities that we give to our youth to experience the arts and showcase their talents,” Ellington said.

“We hope to expand this event and continue to get bigger every year,” he said.

The event included not only musical performances but also art, photographs and quilting displays from over 20 different local organizations.

Free classes and activities for adults and children were also available for the public to engage in, such as paintings booths and photography classes.

“The idea behind the event was to not only showcase great art from the community but to also to get the public engaged and allow them to experience the art for themselves,” said Kathy Bentz, the arts liaison for the PWC Arts Council.

Kathleen K. Seefeldt Awards for Arts Excellence were also given out throughout the event to honor businesses, volunteers and artists who support the arts in the community.

“All the nominees are individuals and businesses that help keep the arts alive and well in PWC,” said Bentz. “A lot of the groups who are involved in this event are non-profit, so support from our community is important."

Ellington estimated that over 2,000 people came to the event throughout the day and both himself and Bentz expressed hope for an even bigger turn-out next year.

“This first event was a success and we hope to do this annually for many years to come,” added Bentz.

For more information on the Arts Alive festival visit www.pwcartscouncil.org.

Editor's Note, for more photos from the Arts Alive festival, click here.