Open-air arts and crafts market returns to Lake Arthur

Art in the ParkSpecial to the American Press

LAKE ARTHUR — The sixth annual Art in the Park will take place 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 12 in Lake Arthur Park, located at the end of Arthur Avenue.

The free, open-air craft market provides local artists, artisans and crafters with a venue to exhibit their work, demonstrate their talents and offer their original crafts for sale.

“Art in the Park is an arts and crafts market featuring anything handcrafted, fine art, restored furniture, photography booths, candles, soap, clothing and more,” Lake Arthur Merchants Association President Joanna Lejeune said.

The event was the brainchild of Chris Zaunbrecher, who had the Green Pea art studio downtown, Lejeune said.

 “She thought it would be a great idea to showcase all the wonderful artisans in our area,” she said.Art in the ParkSpecial to the American Press

Those attending can expect to find one-of-kind handcrafted items, tasty baked and canned goods, handcrafted bath items, jewelry, home decor and more.

In addition, the band Souled Out 72 will entertain noon-3 p.m. in the park.

Vendors will be set up in the park along the lakefront for shoppers to stroll through the booths.

“It is such a good location,” Lejeune said.

 “The trees keep shoppers and vendors nice and cool and provides a beautiful place to spend the day. 

“The vendors are also located very near the children’s play area, so parents can let their children blow off a little steam after shopping.”

Art in the Park is something the town and businesses look forward to each year, she said.

“We think it’s a good thing for the town because it brings people from the surrounding cities and towns here,” she said.

“Those visitors not only spend money at our event, but they also shop and eat at other establishments in town. So, the town gets sales taxes from these visitors.”

There is no admission fee for the public, but vendors are charged $25 per booth. The vendor fee is collected and used to pay expenses for next year’s Art in the Park.

“Art in the Park has been such a marvelous event in the past,” Lejeune said.

“Our vendors are always fun, loving and full of smiles. The handcrafted items over the past six years have been mind blowing. There are truly beautiful handmade-with-love items.

“It is so lovely to see loads of people coming through the park looking for a great bargain, carrying out their selection with a smile on their face. Along the way, lots of visiting happens.”

The event is sponsored by the Lake Arthur Merchants Association, a group of businesses and residents who try to encourage visitors to come to Lake Arthur.

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