“Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be the theme of the first WaterFire Sharon of 2023.

This is the 11th year for WaterFire, which started in 2013 (no events were held in 2020 due to COVID-19). The centerpiece of downtown Sharon, Pa., event is the more than 50 braziers that are anchored in the Shenango River, filled with cedar and pine and then set ablaze at nightfall with a soundtrack provided by a mix of prerecorded music and live music performed from boats on the river.

But each edition has different themes, attractions and entertainers.

Karen Anderson, river operations manager for WaterFire, said there will be characters costumed in Shakespearean garb and the music on the river will be tied to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and its theme of love.

A children’s area will offer activities from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday. New this year is a gaming plaza, sponsored by Infinite Consortium Gaming, that will include large-scale chess and Jenga games and other offerings.

“That’s something fun and different,” Anderson said.

About 50 artists and vendors will be lined up on State Street for an artisan marketplace from 2 to 11 p.m., the same hours as the food court.

Main stage entertainment will start with reggae and rock by Qwister at 2:30 p.m., followed by 2nd Avenue at 5:30 p.m. and the Labra Brothers at 9:30 p.m.

River entertainment will start with a Native American blessing by Leon Briggs at 8:30 p.m., followed by fire twirler Jimmy Pyro and singer Aaron Shaw.

“Jimmy has been involved with WaterFire for quite a few years now,” Anderson said. “He performs all over the country. We’re fortunate to have him come back.”

Shaw is a Sharpsville, Pa., native whose voice has led him to an international career. After serving in the Marines, Shaw began pursuing a singing career. He appeared on “The X Factor,” where Simon Cowell praised his “great voice,” and he’s performed in musical theater and on cruise ships.

As a free event, it’s hard to gauge attendance, but Anderson said it traditionally draws more than 10,000 people throughout the day.

“Some people come early for the artists marketplace, get something to eat and leave,” Anderson said. “Others come for the night-time events. It’s interesting what people come for.”

A second WaterFire event for 2023 is scheduled Sept. 16.

If you go …

WHAT: WaterFire Sharon

WHEN: 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Shenango River, State Street and downtown Sharon, Pa.

HOW MUCH: Admission is free. For more information, go to www.water firesharonpa.org.