By Ruth R. Russell

Twenty-One is a magic number for many young people as they approach adulthood and its anticipated privileges.

Twenty-One is a magic number for this community for a different reason. Upcoming is the 21st annual Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival.

On Sunday, May 7, Germantown Avenue will again be in full bloom. Look for artists, garden vendors, amusements and activities for kids, music, food and lots more.

The Avenue from Rex to Willow Grove Avenues will be closed to vehicles from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This decision was made 21 years ago, reported Peggy Miller deputy director of the

Chestnut Hill Business Association, festival host, and has turned out well. There is plenty of space for everyone of all ages and their varied interests with no worry about traffic.

A major attraction will again be the display of works by many talented artists. “We will have more than 150 participants with watercolors, oils, pastels and photography as well as many garden vendors and craftsmen,” Miller reported.

Exhibitors from this area include Chestnut Hiller Chris, with backyard eats (a worm compost demonstration); Chiara, also from Chestnut Hill, with fine art; Wyndmoor resident Truphehena, with African arts and jewelry (profits from her sale go back to the African women who made them); John, also from Wyndmoor, with socks and apparel; Soil & Sun Farm, in Erdenheim, with heirloom veggies, flowers and herbs; and Roxborough resident Alyssa Van Alstine, with plants and vegetables.

As usual, many other exhibitors are far from their own back yards. Besides the Philadelphia area, they come from locations such as Brooklyn, NY; Rehoboth Beach, DE; Fletcher, NC; Amherst, MA, and Tampa, FL.

Look for interesting variety in vendors and their wares. For instance, Nick Gomez, of Chestnut Hill, will have skateboards; Megan Fitzpatrick, of Wyndmoor, and Charles Todd, of Mt. Airy, will be displaying furniture, and Dana Rapoport, also of Mt. Airy, will feature children’s books.

For honey lovers, the Philadelphia Bee Association will have a display featuring, of course bees, and a look at how these busy critters make honey.

“A number of farms will be participating, bringing fresh food and vegetables for purchase,” said Miller. As usual, there will be numerous gardeners will beautiful plants and flowers, perhaps even orchids, for sale.

Returning this year will be Eco Alley, sponsored by PECO Smart Ideas, featuring vendors offering sustainable products from organic plants. This display is courtesy of GRINCH (Green in Chestnut Hill).

If you are bringing youngsters, be assured there will be plenty to do. There will be all day amusement rides at 8340 Germantown Ave.; arts and crafts all day in the 8300 block of Germantown Ave., and face painting all day at Germantown Avenue and Gravers Lane. The Manatawna 4H Club Petting Zoo will be open from noon to 4 p.m. at Bethlehem Pike and Germantown Avenue. The popular little train rides will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the 8100 block of Germantown Avenue.

A daylong festival like this always has plenty of music and food.

Soul City will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 8600 block of Germantown Avenue; Rich Posmontier Ensemble will follow from 2 to 5 p.m. in the 8600 block of Germantown Avenue; the Dukes of Destiny will play in the 8200 block of Germantown Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and be followed by City Rhythm Orchestra from 2 to 5 p.m.

Plenty of delicious food will be available. Locations are as follows:

8600 block of Germantown Avenue — McNally’s Outdoor Café, Cosimo’s Pizza Café, Mica, Thai Kuu, Tavern on the Hill, Banjara, Trade Winds, Osaka, Bredenbeck’s Ice Cream;

8500 block of Germantown Avenue — Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop, Starbuck’s Coffee, Funnel Cakes & Smoothies;

8400 block of Germantown Avenue —Weavers Way Co-op, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant;

8300 block of Germantown Avenue — Roller’s Express-o, Campbell’s Place, Fiesta Pizza, Old Fashioned Kettle Korn;

8200 block of Germantown Avenue — Paris Bistro, Chestnut Hill Grill & Sidewalk Café, Green Soul, Poppy’s Café, King’s Garden, Night Kitchen Bakery, El Poquito, Cin Cin, the Fresh Market;

8100 block of Germantown Avenue — Roller’s Restaurant at Flying Fish, Bredenbeck’s Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor.

Presenting Sponsor of the festival is Glanzman Subaru and Media Sponsor is B101Radio. Admission to the festival is free and parking is available at selected lots. Rain date is May 21.

For more information, visit www.chestnuthillpa.com or call 215-247-6696.