Abby Willis took first place in the 2D art category and Keith Rosemond II won Best in Show as the Roswell Arts Festival celebrated its 60th anniversary Sept. 19-20 at Roswell City Hall.

More than 80 artists displayed and sold work across the free, two-day event, competing for awards in four categories: 2D, 3D, Crafts and Best in Show. Willis' first-place ribbon hung from her tent on Sept. 20 as visitors browsed booths and chatted with artists on the City Hall grounds, Appen Media reported.

Other exhibiting artists included Chouaieb Saidi and Tarik Berbey, owner of The Tin Man and Friends, which sells art and metal sculptures made entirely of recycled materials. Winners in the 3D and Crafts categories were not available at publication.

Live entertainment ran both days. Musicians from Centennial High School and Roswell High School performed, along with dancers from the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance. The children's area offered painting, face paint and sand art. Among the kids at the easels: 3-year-old Ethan Johnson and 6-year-old Subira Macharia.

The festival is Roswell's second-oldest community event. It began in 1966 with a mission to support Roswell's parks and recreation programs. Over six decades it has raised more than $1.6 million for community projects, according to Appen Media. The Roswell Recreation Association and the City of Roswell present the event each year.

Ahead of this year's festival, the Roswell City Council on Aug. 24 approved a $48,000 donation from the festival for three park projects, according to Appen Media's council coverage: $16,000 to Liberty Square Park, $25,208 to East Roswell Dog Park for shade structures and $6,792 to the Crabapple Center Performing Arts Studio for seating and movable platforms.

"This festival has truly become a family legacy for many of us," Valerie Morelli, chair of the Roswell Recreation Association, said at the Aug. 24 council meeting. She added that the organization is grateful for the city's collaboration in turning festival proceeds into park investments.

Council Member Eren Brumley also praised the association's work at that meeting, urging residents to attend the festival.

The Roswell Arts Festival has not announced a date for its 61st edition in 2027.

Upcoming in Roswell: The city opens its new Grimes Bridge soccer fields on Thursday, Sept. 24.