MARBLEHEAD – Held under a tent at Fort Sewall, with an uncompromised view of the entire Marblehead Harbor, the 2008 Champagne Reception will be held Sunday, June 29 from 5 to 7 p.m., rain or shine. This festive tradition kicks off the annual Marblehead Festival of Arts, while also providing funds needed to stage the Festival. Guests at past Receptions will recall lively events with vibrant music, free flowing champagne, and an amazing array of epicurean delights set out on tables hosted by some of the area’s finest restaurants, food emporiums, and chefs.This garden party is made even more colorful by the creative hats guests are invited to wear as they compete for top prizes in the Champagne Reception Hat Contest. At this year’s pre-Festival celebration, The Johnny Ray Band will provide the musical spice, while a wide range of gourmet delights will be provided by Caffé Italia Trattoria, Edible Arrangements, Evan’s New York Deli, Foodie’s Feast, J & S Brandi’s, Jack Tar Tavern, Ladycakes, The Landing Restaurant & Pub, Manhattan Sandwich Shop, Marblehead Chowder Company, Starlight Creatives, Sticky Rice, Three Cod Tavern, and Tony’s Pizza.Invitations to the Champagne Reception are being offered, prior to the event, for a $35 donation per person, at the following Marblehead locations: Arnould Gallery & Framery, 111 Washington St.; Shubie’s Liquors & Market Place, 16 Atlantic Ave.; and The Spirit of 76 Bookstore & Card Shop, 107 Pleasant St. Invitations also will be available at the door for a $40 donation per person, and are among the benefits provided to individuals and businesses that support the Festival. You may contribute online and have invitations mailed to you or held at the door. More information can be found on the MFoA home page: www.marbleheadfestival.org.Be sure to join us on Sunday, June 29 at this premier kick-off to the summer social season. Come support the Marblehead Festival of Arts in its efforts to produce a one-of-a-kind summer arts program.The Marblehead Festival of Arts has a rich history in producing a premier summer arts festival that has become a unique forum for artistic expression. Held each year over the July 4 holiday, the Marblehead Festival of Arts hosts a wide range of art exhibits (painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, etc.), outdoor music concerts overlooking Marblehead Harbor, Writer’s World, the Street Festival, Artisans’ Marketplace, and many other cultural activities designed to provide a fun and enriching experience for the entire family.The Marblehead Festival of Arts, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization comprised of area residents who volunteer their time and services in a variety of capacities. With the mission to promote and foster artistic events and activities in the town of Marblehead, this organization was launched in 1962 by producing an annual Arts Festival. Today, in addition to its summer arts program, the Marblehead Festival of Arts sponsors events throughout the year, promotes area artists, supports up-and-coming art students via an annual scholarship, and contributes to the overall cultural climate of the North Shore.The Marblehead Festival of Arts is run by an all-volunteer organization comprised of more than forty committees involving several hundred volunteers. It operates year round and relies primarily on donations to fund its operations. Individuals, families, and businesses may become Festival Sponsors by making a tax-deductible contribution. For additional information on MFoA, a calendar of events, volunteer opportunities and sponsorship, please call: 781-639-ARTS (639-2787) or visit: www.marbleheadfestival.org