After 38 years Art in the Park is embracing the widespread belief that it always rains the weekend of the festival with a new marketing campaign "Rain or Shine."
"It certainly is a little joke amongst the community. I know when I'm out and about and talking to friends and I say 'I'll be doing Art in the Park' and they go 'oh that means it'll rain this weekend.' So why not have some fun with it?" says Committee Chair Colleen Mitchell.
The committee is selling limited edition novelty umbrellas to celebrate the dubious reputation.
Mitchell says no matter the weather Willistead Park will be bustling with activity the first weekend in June with 267 artists and artisans participating. Around 50 of those are new to the festival this year.
The festival will also feature a spirit tent with local wineries, restaurants and entertainment. The Kids Zone will have inflatables, mini putt, Cinderella and Super Hero photo shoots, a toddler play area and Lego play.
The festival is June 4-5. It is the major fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Windsor 1918 which allows them to donate to local charities.
"We've contributed to some major campaigns in the past like Merivale and the John McGivney Centre and of course there's the annual donation to WIllistead Manor for refurbishment," says Mitchell.
