Arts In The Park

Saturday, Eldon’s Rock Island Park was invaded by pirates – young pirates.  However, there was little pillaging and most of the loot they hauled away had been made by their own hands.  Bandanas, miniature sailing ships, tie-dyed shirts, and Jabbersocky puppets crafted with the denizens of Wonderland were among the prized possessions.  By the end of the day, with bellies full of hotdogs, snow cones and popcorn, the youthful plunderers boarded their transportation crafts, ordered their crews to set a course for “home” and began dreaming of what the next Art in the Park might have in store for them.

 

I love Art in the Park – a day full of laughter, creativity and free goodies for the little ones.  But, it’s not just the happiness of the children, for whom the event is hosted, that I treasure this event.  It is the outpouring of support shown by the community for these kids.  Together, parents and volunteers from lake area businesses and organizations set about creating a special day that includes free food, crafts and prizes.  Giving freely of themselves and their time, these volunteers help create wonderful memories and a strong feeling of community.

 

Of particular note was the cast of “Alice, Through the Looking Glass”, a play created and directed by Tim Williams of the Lake Arts Council.  These young actors appeared at the park, in costume, ready to spend what started out as a rainy day helping children create Jabbersockies.  The White Rabbit patiently encouraged children to repeat impossible tongue twisters to receive a felt tongue for their sock puppets.  A trio of talking flowers led the Hokey Pokey for a pair of google-eyes.  Pompoms were earned in an egg race with Humpty Dumpty and Tweedledee.  Doing a fancy jig for the Red Queen earned jewels and great praise.  Once all of the components were collected, the adventurous youths proceeded to a table to begin bringing their Jabbersockies to life.  Denise Alford, Linda Sanders, Rose Adams and the Lake Arts Council’s Youth Activities Director, Charlie O’Neill assisted the little artists with glue, markers and the patience of saints.  By two o’clock, many of the tents and tables had been folded up and put away for later use, but the costumed teens continued to welcome any late-comers.  Their excitement and cheer had not waned in the slightest throughout the procession of little boys and girls sporting paper eye-patches and painted goatees.  As the crowds dispersed, there was no sense of relief among the teens.  Instead, the excitement continued as they huddled together to discuss things they could do to at the Linn Creek Art in the Park.

To the many volunteers who made today an amazing experience and to the Miller County Child Advocacy Council who puts on this event each year, I offer, on behalf of the parents and children of the lake area, my deepest thanks.  To anyone who missed out on Saturday’s activities, reserve a spot on your calendar for Art in the Park in Linn Creek, presented by the Camden County Child Advocacy Council on October 6th.  I urge everyone to join us.  At Art in the Park, there is no such thing as too many children or too much fun and there can never, ever, be too many volunteers!

 

For more information, please call the Lake Arts Council at (573) 964-6366 or email us at lakeartscouncil@yahoo.com.