The magic returns with this year's Mayfair, which boasts a new venue, renewed focus on the arts, and a luscious and varied food menu.

Mayfair also has new hours, opening at 10 a.m. May 25, to accommodate school groups which are admitted free of charge, and concluding at 7 p.m. May 27.

Though the 27th annual Mayfair is again held over the holiday weekend and concludes Memorial Day, it opens on a Friday rather than a Thursday.

Mayfair 2013 is being staged at the Agri-Plex, surrounded by what's called The Mayfair Village, at the west end of Allentown Fairgrounds.

There will be three stages for music acts. The Kidstage and Liberty Park stage are outside under cover. Liberty Park stage, which fronts Liberty Street, will have a covered dance stage. Kidstage will feature a full program which also includes an opportunity for children to get involved in hands-on art experiences and interactive theater. Inside the Agri-Plex, the smaller Collector's Café will allow for solo and acoustic acts which will play well in the more intimate setting.

Vendors and artisans will sell their wares in undercover booths in a fenced-off area in front of the Agri-Plex, as well as in the hall itself. The cover of the hall will allow a bigger variety of artisans, such as watercolorists, photographers, metal, fiber and glass artists, to display and sell their work.

The Collector's Café inside the hall features an art gallery displaying the work of some of the finest local artists. The Pig Pen Project yes, the stalls where the porkers are exhibited during the Allentown Fair will boast installation and experimental art from area artists. Both of these galleries are a chance to see contemporary art conveniently and economically.

And there's a chance to see art being made. Lehigh Valley legend Barnaby Ruhe will have pride of place in front of the Agri-Plex, working on a mural as well as portraits. Artists from Goggle Works in Reading will provide demonstrations of different types of art: pastel, painting and fiber arts.

The rebalancing of art, music and food is the work of Mayfair Executive Director Arlene Daily, who took over management of the festival last year. The biggest challenge was diminishing the effect of punishing and unpredictable spring weather, i.e., the flooding of Cedar Beach Park, on both the exhibitors and attendees. So changing the venue to a mostly indoor event was her first accomplishment. Responding to the diverse culture of the Valley, both artistically and ethnically, was the second. This year's festival will have a full menu of music events and an expanded food selection, including vegan and vegetarian options.

And the weather? Arlene assures us, "It will be brilliant."

Information: mayfairfestival.org