Thousands Enjoy 28th Festival

Laura Newman of Montgomery shows off a painting
she bought Saturday at Festival in the Park.

Handmade goods are the centerpiece of the annual festival

Thousands of anxious spectators didn't let a little cool weather stop them from examining the unique handmade goods on display Saturday at Oak Park during the 28th annual Festival in the Park.

Martha Brown of the Festival in the Park board of directors said the event, which typically brings about 15,000 patrons, started slow but had almost reached its goal by midday when the attendance count reached the 11,000 mark.

"Early attendance is down some from normal," Brown said. "We attribute it to the cool weather this morning, but it is picking up as it gets warmer."

The event, which is organized by the Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department, also featured live entertainment for both children and adults.

Kids enjoyed a safety demonstration by the Montgomery Fire Department and also were allowed to examine the inside of a fire truck.

Adults spent some of their time purchasing arts and crafts and enjoying the wide selection of food.

Jessie Haigler said she came out to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. "I came out to see what goodies they had," Haigler said. "They have a lot of nice things."

Around the festival grounds, 184 exhibitors displayed everything from homemade candy and cakes to hand-painted pots and pans.

A popular attraction this year was the collection of hand-painted gourds.

From her home in Mobile, Donnell Bedsole turns the melons into creations such as snowmen and pumpkins.

Benjamin Morrow, left, spots Kelly Manly of Armory Gymnastics during an exhibition Saturday at Festival in the Park.

Bedsole said she was surprised how well the items caught on this year. "Just about everything sold," Bedsole said. "I have been coming to the festival for the past six years and this is my best year."

Lulu Schmidt also sparked a lot of attention with her fish-scales flower arrangements. "A lot of people pass by and go ‘Ooh and ahh’ because the flowers look so real," Schmidt said. "My creations are one of a kind."

Published: Montgomery Advertiser, October 8, 2000

Sponsored by
The Festival in the Park Association
City of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department
and the

Last update: July 06, 2007

Exhibits | Entertainment | Children | Attractions | 5K Run

For information, contact
Festival in the Park Association
c/o Parks & Recreation Department
1010 Forest Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36106
Email: information@festivalinthepark.com
Telephone: 1.334.241.2300
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Festival in the Park logo design created by Bill DePaola.
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