By Staff
ARTS IN THE PARK Charles Wood, left, of Meridian, Cassidy Bliss and Madison Armor of Louisville, Ky., listen Saturday as Orlando Chancoso of Chicago demonstrates how to play a hand-carved flute during Arts in the Park at Highland Park. The festival continues until 3 p.m. today. See story, page A5. PHOTO BY PAULA MERRITT / THE MERIDIAN STAR
By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
April 4, 2004
Don Herrington of Union said Saturday that he came to Arts in the Park to "people watch" and to wear out his grandkids before nap time.
Herrington joined thousands of other fun-seekers at the 33rd annual Arts in the Park festival at Highland Park in Meridian for food, fun and, of course, art. The festival continues until 3 p.m. today.
More than 50 artists and craftsmen, dozens of food vendors and many children's activities are available to the public at the event. Artists from all over the country have come to sell their work, and art-lovers can find everything from baskets to silver jewelry to pottery.
Bonnie Chatham said she brought her children, Seth and Cade, to eat and play.
Vendors, some from as far away as Georgia and Minnesota, said business was good.
Jack Rawlins, a silversmith from Cumming, Ga., and owner of Silver Jack Creations, said he works on his jewelry 12 to 14 hours a day during the week and travels to more than 40 art shows a year. Rawlins said he heard about the festival from a friend who lives in Meridian.
Georgia Elaine Tiner of Waynesboro is new to Arts in the Park. She came out to sell her jewelry a couple of years ago and decided to come back to the festival this year.
Tiner's hobby has grown into a small business she calls "Georgia's Jazzy Jewels."
Wayne Rawson, president of the Meridian Arts Council, said Saturday this has a great year for the festival so far.
Also at Arts in the Park this year is the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival Youth and Adult Talent Competition. The youth competition took place Saturday and the adult event is scheduled for today.
Rawson said he expects more than 40,000 people will visit Arts in the Park this weekend, and he hopes there is a big turnout today.