Ellie Wiggins was among dozens of local kids who made their impression on the sidewalks in Art Park in 2017, where the Cullman Park and Recreation Department hosted its Art in the Park event.

Event season is kicking off with Art In the Park, a showcase of local and regional talent in one of Cullman’s oldest but re-purposed parks.

For years known as City Park, Art Park on West Main features a smaller, shaded setting that’s perfect for crafters and artists to show and sell their works.

“We have room for up to 30 vendors to sell crafts, and we have about 17 at this time. The fee is only $35,” Waid Harbison of Cullman Parks & Recreation said.

Last year’s event drew about 500 people and Harbison anticipates a similar or larger crowd on April 14. Artists and vendors will be on hand from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“It’s just a great setting with the shade and location. Art Park is a favorite of a lot of people,” Harbison said. “We look at this as our kickoff to the event season and for anyone who enjoys art and crafts this is a good event.”

Admission is free. 

Those who enter in the art contest, which is inside the old Art Guild building in the park, do not have to pay an entry fee. Three prizes will be awarded to artists.

One of the popular attractions for visitors is the sidewalk chalk competition.

“Most the kids participate, but it’s open to any age,” Harbison said. “That’s always a lot of fun and shows a lot of creativity. The winner gets a family membership to the Aquatic Center.”

For anyone wanting to enter the art contest or qualify as a crafts vendor, contact Parks & Recreation at 256-734-9157 or visit cullmanrecreation.org for additional information.

Art submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m., April 13, at the Parks & Recreation office at Cullman Civic Center.

There will be free crafts for kids to create artwork, live music from Shannon McNeal and Julie Ann & Gold Rush, plus food trucks, and live arts and craft demonstrations.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.