On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Stroudsburg High School hosted its annual Craft Fair and Musicfest.
Craft Fest was held in the gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with many vendors from right here in Stroudsburg, or even some from nearby towns. Common Grounds was open for concessions, and the Stroudsburg Area Music Supporters (SAMS) were holding a bake sale and a guitar raffle. Sports teams like baseball and rifle also had tables for fundraisers.
“This Music fest was different from most years because we performed late. This was my first year with Mr. Cassady, and I feel like he pushed our band until he knew we were going to perform really well,” says Keira Paradis, ’28. “This event is a big community gathering, and it celebrates the arts and unifies us through music.”
Later on, the auditorium opened for the most memorable event of the year: Musicfest. The students of the Stroudsburg Music Department take the stage starting at 1 p.m., beginning with the sixth-grade band. Each grade follows, and it all ends with the 11th and 12th grade band at 9:30 p.m.
The event consists of band, chorus, orchestra, and extra-curricular ensembles such as show choir and chorale. Stroudsburg has the only strings program in Monroe County.
“I had a great time! I got to spend a whole day with my friends, singing, playing, and listening to music. I loved it!” explains Jonas Ballantyne, ’27.
The event begins with the middle school and junior high bands and orchestras, then the stage is reset for the choir ensembles, and then switched back for the high school bands and orchestras.
“My musicfest this year went really well. I enjoyed seeing each grade perform and how they improve each year,” says Solomon McEaddy, ’27
The stage is set up by volunteers from SAMS, who reset the number of chairs and stands needed after every performance. They also set the risers for the choir and chorale.
After nine long hours of performance, the Stroudsburg Music Department proves once again that there is nowhere else around that can achieve a day like this, filled with music, art, and community.