Arts in the Park set to ramp up in 2nd year after COVID-19

BRAINERD — In its second year back after the COVID-19 pandemic, Brainerd’s annual Arts in the Park is slated to be bigger than last year.

“What we’re really trying to do is ramp things back up,” said Dave Badeaux, Brainerd Community Action Executive Director. “Last year was kind of that base level, figure out what we can do and how to create the baseline for the event. And now this year it’s all about ramping things back up.”

The Gregory Park event will feature about 70 artists showcasing their creations, along with about a dozen nonprofit booths. The number of vendors is an increase from last year, and Badeaux said event-goers can expect to see a little of everything, from handmade jewelry and other little trinkets, all the way up to bigger traditional art pieces.

“It’s just a day to get out and enjoy the arts, have some good food,” Badeaux said Thursday, June 23, ahead of the event. “... The biggest thing is that this is an opportunity for these artists and these entrepreneurs to showcase their hard work. And a lot of these groups spend the entire winter making stuff and really grinding it out, looking for these summer events. And for us, that’s what it’s all about. It’s about creating an atmosphere in which people are looking to come in and are looking to purchase things, and that these entrepreneurs get an opportunity to showcase what they can do.”

Arts in the Park runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 26, and is free to attend. Badeaux said he expects a good turnout for this year’s event.

“We’re super excited. It’s going to be another great year,” he said. “And we’re expecting the turnout to be something spectacular, so good luck finding a place to park over there in north Brainerd.”

THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa.