Live music, kids' activities, and 125 vendors will be set up at Mike Weir Park in Bright's Grove this weekend for the Rotary Club of Sarnia Bluewaterland's 44th annual Art in the Park.
PR Coordinator Dale Wilcox said details about each of the vendors have been posted to a dedicated Facebook page.
"We have the usual selection of jewellery, pottery, painting, sewing goods, a bit of baking," she said. "Everyone is vetted as an artisan before we approve them coming into the show. We want to make sure they're all selling crafts and artwork that they themselves have made."
The art show will be held on Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
According to Environment Canada's forecast, Saturday will be sunny with a high of 27 C.
"If we get sunshine, we know we will probably see around 5,000 [people]," Wilcox said. "Last year, I think we had over 4,000, and as you recall, it was one of those days the weather kept changing."
Wilcox said the event has come to feel like the last outdoor art show of the summer before artisans start preparing for the Christmas season. It has also evolved to include more kids' activities, making it more of a family-friendly event.
When Art in the Park kicked off four decades ago, the event started with just 10 vendors.
"Originally it started with Gallery in the Grove, and a number of years ago -- over 15, we were asked if we could take it over," Wilcox said. "They had reached a point where they just didn't have enough volunteers to go forward with it any longer."
However, Gallery in the Grove is still involved in the event and has a tent set up each year. This year, Wilcox said the organization will have crafts for children.
Wilcox said the gallery will receive a percentage of the proceeds and the rest will be used to support Rotary programs. Admission is free but donations will be collected.
Free parking will be available.
Afternoon music will be performed by Lambton County Brass and Ram Grill Dixieland Band.
The rotary club has also partnered with ShelterBox Canada to set up a display at the park.
"ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that provides shelter, essential items and technical assistance to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people recover and rebuild their homes after disaster," said ShelterBox Canada's Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator Ally Buck in an emailed statement. "The charity is currently responding in 17 countries including the devastating flooding in Nepal. Since the year 2000, ShelterBox has helped over 3 million people repair, rebuild, and return home."
Wilcox said representatives will be available to answer any questions from attendees.
