Crafters gather for Art in the Park
Marion's Art in the Park is just around the corner and plans to be the best ever.
Nearly 225 vendors will sell craft items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Central Park, Marion.
Vendors from around the state and the U.S. will converge on Central Park the day before to set up booths, and prepare for customers.
"Due to space, we only allow 225 crafters," said Judy Christensen, event organizer. It's first come, first served and she anticipates every slot to be filled.
Christensen said she is excited about this year's showing.
"There will be different products that I've never seen before," she said.
A requirement to be a vendor at this show is that items be handmade.
A variety of vendors typically include wood, food products, clothing, wall hangings, art, yard ornaments, and about any other form of craft imaginable.
Shuttle buses will be available that will allow customers to park and ride for free. Customers can park their vehicles in parking lots at Marion Die & Fixture on West Main Street or Marion Baseball Complex on Eisenhower Drive and ride a bus to and from the park.
"People appreciate the transportation service," said Christensen.
Christensen encourages people to leave parking spaces in front of the park for those customers who need to load merchandise.
Local Boy Scout troops again will assist vendors Friday with unloading merchandise. The troops also will patrol the park overnight to discourage theft.
Local food vendors will provide an assortment of breakfast and lunch menus.
Local business owners, individuals, and members of civic, church, or school organizations are allowed to have food booths.
This year's assortment includes brisket sandwiches, bierrock, hamburgers, polish sausage, roasted corn, baked potato bar, Santa Fe chicken wraps, ribs, smoked turkey legs, Krispy Kreme donuts, sausage or bacon with egg and cheese sandwiches, and more.
A drawing will be held at 4 p.m. where craft customers may enter to win 10 $20 gift certificates to be used at any booth between the time of the drawing and when the event closes at 5 p.m.
Drawing registration will be held at the information tent.
There is no admission to the show.
