A late spring tradition in Windsor-Essex is reaching a milestone.
Art In The Park, presented by the Rotary Club of Windsor 1918, kicked off its celebration of 40 years with a tree-planting ceremony Thursday at Willistead Park, the venue of the prestigious art fair.
A red oak tree has been planted near the park's Devonshire gate to not only commemorate the 40th anniversary of the event, but also the Rotary's centennial this year, according to the Rotary's Randall Winters, Art In The Park event chairman.
"This tree was donated by the city of Windsor, and it represents something that's going to be here for a very, very long time," says Winters.
A permanent plaque will eventually be installed with the tree.
Art In The Park draws about 25,000 people to the Olde Walkerville area on the first weekend in June, and it's one of the largest juried art fairs in Ontario, says Winters. He says artists have been coming to him to describe the importance and prestige of the event.
"The uniqueness of this festival is that you have to truly be an artist to be picked to be part of the 275," says Winters. "Nowhere else in Ontario are there that many artists that participate in an event like this."
An art event has taken place in Walkerville since the early 1970s, and it was originally sponsored by the Art Gallery of Windsor. The Rotary took over the event in 1978 after it became too large for the gallery to handle on its own, says Winters.
Winters says 40 new artists will be in the mix at this year's Art In The Park, which will also feature the usual selection of activities, displays and performances.
One change to the event this year is the expansion of the Kids' Zone. Winters says the enlarged Kids' Zone will feature inflatables and a mini-putt course. The Windsor Spitfires organization is teaming up with organizers to bring the Spitfires Kids Club. Winters says while Spits players are not scheduled to appear, the club will have a major presence.
Art In The Park is also featuring several additional concessions, in response to concerns raised over long lines. Local craft beers and wines will be offered at a main food court, along with two smaller satellite stands in the park.
Organizers are also bringing back the popular Bike Valet feature, which made its debut last year. People who ride their bikes to the park will be able to bypass the line at the Chilver Gate and walk their bikes to the valet tent there.
Hours for this year's Art In The Park are 10am to 7pm Saturday, June 2 and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, June 3. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are $5 at the gate, though discounted tickets are available at local Shoppers Drug Mart stores. As usual, proceeds benefit the ongoing preservation and upkeep of historic Willistead Manor.
Shuttle buses will also be available for those art lovers wanting to beat the parking crunch. Complete information is available at the event's official website.
