FREEPORT, Ill. — Krape Park will provide a beautiful backdrop for the 14th annual Art in the Park festival on Sunday, September 5. Beginning at 10 a.m. visitors can stroll the shaded paths that wind through the park to enjoy artists booths featuring a variety of fine arts for sale including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more. Performances by local and regional musicians, free art activities for families, and delicious food vendors add to a full day of fun for the community. 

“Art in the Park is a great way for the Freeport Art Museum to offer an opportunity for artists to sell their work and also provide an enjoyable cultural event for the entire community,” said Jessica Modica, Freeport Art Museum executive director. The event typically draws a crowd of over 3,000 people during the one-day event. Art in the Park was canceled in 2020 due to the Pandemic so organizers are looking forward to bringing the event back to the community this year. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing; masks will be provided for those who need one. 

Occurring over Labor Day weekend, the festival encourages tourism to the area and highlights one of Freeport’s best attributes: Krape Park. The park features a picturesque 44-foot waterfall that tumbles down from a high limestone bluff, a one-of-a-kind carousel, canoes and paddle boat rental, and a miniature golf course. Berin Jackson, Superintendent of Recreation for Freeport Park District, said “Art in the Park is a collaborative, family-friendly community festival. It gives local residents and regional visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoor beauty of Krape Park as well as the opportunity to support the talented artists from the area.”

Festival attendees have often expressed how they enjoy making an entire day out of the event and many of the participating artists are returning from previous years linked to the impressive sales they are able to generate. In addition to the Kids Art Activity Center, there will be several installations of interactive art including a giant balloon creation from local artist Melinda Cook, and two group painting projects led by Roni Golan, owner of The Underground, an art gallery located in Rockford. Cat face painting will be offered at the NIPCO booth (Networking Illinois Preventers of Cat Overpopulation).

The event runs until 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.artintheparkfreeport.com or facebook.com/artintheparkfreeport.

Art in the Park is sponsored by Bocker Auto Group, NextHome First Class, State Bank, FHN, and NIPCO.