Sunday in the Park returns
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on April 3, 2013 1:46 PM
Live music, clowns, painting and fresh produce will all be part of this year's Sunday in the Park events. They will be held the first Sunday of each month from 2 to 5 p.m. at Herman Park.
The first one will be Sunday, April 7. Others will be held in May, June, September and October, skipping July and August.
Sunday in the Park is a joint venture between the Arts Council of Wayne County and Parks and Recreation Department of Goldsboro.
The event had its origins back in the 1970s when it used to be a huge party where thousands of people would come out in their Sunday best, said Arts Council gallery director Erin Alemdar.
"When we moved to our building on Ash Street, it became Sunday in the Garden," she said. "We'd have it out in the gardens on the grounds. We'd bring out musicians and artists, and people would come out with their families, but it wasn't as big as it used to be.
"We want to bring back that tradition and also give people a reason to stay in town during the summer -- and have something fun to do," Ms. Alemdar said.
She said it's also a chance for local musicians to show off their talents.
Each Sunday in the Park will feature a free concert from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
This year's entertainment schedule will be:
* April 7 -- Caleb Elder, a pop country music singer who is in the second round of the music competition show "The Voice" on TV.
* May 5 -- FreeFlow, a group of musicians who perform a variety of styles including gospel, R&B and jazz.
* June 2 -- Liz Lauren, a folk pop musician.
* Sept. 1 -- Samantha Casey and the Bluegrass Jam, a local band.
* Oct. 6 -- LizH, a pop and Spanish singer.
In addition to live music, there will also be vendors selling homemade items, and local farmers will sell their produce.
And local artists will be on hand selling their works.
"This year we want to have some plein-air painters from around the region," Ms. Alemdar said.
There will also be other activities such as clowns, hula hoops, water slides, crafts for the kids and face painting, and the Kiwanis train will be running.
Those attending are encouraged to take their lawn chairs and blankets. They may also take a picnic basket or buy some of the concessions that will be available at the event.
"It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon," Ms. Alemdar said. "Bringing this event back this year, we wanted to give people an opportunity to have a fun family cultural experience."
For more information about Sunday in the Park, call the Arts Council at 919-736-3300.