About 100 booths to be at Art in the Park Saturday

By OLIVER GOOD

Staff writer

Art in the Park returns Saturday to Marion Central Park for its 38th year.

About 100 booths will open to patrons at 9 a.m. with new and longtime vendors.

“We’ve recruited a lot of new vendors and there are many popular vendors returning,” Margo Yates, director of Marion Parks and Recreation Department, said.

She noted two local artists that had joined the bill. Abstract artist Lisa Hemphill will present her unique acrylic paintings and former USD 410 and USD 408 vocal instructor David Clark, will be selling rustic artwork painted on repurposed barn wood.

Massage therapist Darcie Mashburn will offer relaxing chair massages.

An extensive array of arts and crafts wares will include bath and body items, candles, ceramics, leatherworks, tie-dyed items, local honey handmade doll clothing, wine bottle holders, hand carved Santa Claus art, cedar furniture and shelving, and more.

When patrons hunger pangs start there will be no shortage of dining choices.

Those with a sweet tooth may want to check out a new food vendor who specializes in chocolate covered strawberries, pretzels, and marshmallows.

“We purposely keep it local so the local organization can have a fundraising opportunity,” Yates said. “There are a lot of options.”

Marion Boosters Club will have bierocks available. Eastmoor Church will sell funnel cakes. A travel abroad program from Marion High School will sell taco salad and pulled pork sandwiches.

Marion Rhino Wrestling team also will serve biscuits and gravy, hot dogs, bratwursts, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers.

Wagon Wheel Express will serve fresh-squeezed limeade and lemonade, stuffed cucumbers, chicken salad on a croissant, and grilled chicken chef salads.

Yates said patrons should consider using a free shuttle bus that will pick up people at to remote parking areas to convoy to Central Park.

She said people could jump on the shuttle at either: Marion Die and Fixture at 421 W. Main St. or Marion Baseball Complex at 308 Eisenhower Dr. just off US-56 near Pizza Hut.