FeedsArt in the Park seeks younger crowd appeal
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Art in the Park event organizers hope the Capri Sun Respect the Pouch will inspire more young people to come out the three day arts celebration (artist rendition drawingThe future is now as a national touring exhibit is expected to attract the next generation of art lovers to downtown Plymouth.
The stars of extreme skateboarding and BMX-style bicycling will perform their gravity-defying stunts and flips on a half-pipe as part of the Capri Sun Respect the Pouch Mobile Tour, during the 29th annual Plymouth Art in the Park Festival. Art in the Park was one of 12 events in the nation—and the only one in Michigan— selected to host the tour, which also features a climbing wall and a gaming tent for children.
“This is something huge for us, it’s an honor,” said Raychel Rork who, along with her mother and Art in the Park founder Dianne Quinn, realized how many local youngsters are attracted to the sport during a recent trip to downtown.
Quinn said as she was driving in downtown Plymouth when she noticed four teenagers staring at an advertisement for the national tour. Judging from their reaction, Quinn said she expects youngsters to be an integral part of the Art in the Park celebration.
Despite a slowdown in the economy, more than 400 vendors from across North America are expected to make their way to downtown Plymouth. Quinn attributes the interest to “word-of-mouth” reports spreading through the arts community about the record turnout during the festival last year.
More than 300,000 people attended the three-day event.
“Because of the Michigan economy, we’re always concerned, but people are still spending,” said Quinn.
While planning for the weekend event for more than a year, Rork said there is still plenty to do.
Rork said she was outside recently measuring and remarking every street in downtown Plymouth in order to make sure the vendors and exhibits leave at least a 10-foot opening for every downtown business and restaurant.
The women say the measurements are necessary as not to interrupt those who want to patronize downtown businesses.
The 29th Annual Art in the Park begins at noon on June 11 and continues throughout the weekend. For a complete list of exhibitors, events and times, visit www.artinthepark.com.
