The 65th annual Arts in the Park has attracted nearly 100 exhibitors for Arts in the Park in Lakeview Park in Port Clinton.

BY SHERI TRUSTY

The Port Clinton Artists’ Club is hosting its 65th annual Arts in the Park on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held at Lakeview Park located at 1100 E. Perry St. in Port Clinton.

This year’s theme is “Art is a Treasure.” Nearly 100 vendors from around the Midwest will sell a variety of art and handmade products, from original paintings to handmade soap.

“We haven’t had this many vendors in quite a few years,” said Show Director Joan Patthoff.

WFRO Eagle 99 will help celebrate the show’s 65th anniversary by broadcasting on Aug. 5 from noon to 2 p.m.

“We’re going to have a DJ there this year, so that will be different, and we have over 30 new vendors,” Patthoff said. Several food vendors will be on site selling everything from smoothies and Philly steaks to ice cream and snow cones.

“The popcorn lady will be back again, and the Perch Wagon will return,” Patthoff said.

Arts in the Park officials enjoy putting on their annual show along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Erie at Lakeview Park in Port Clinton.

The event will feature an art raffle, a children’s make-and-take art booth, and a treasure hunt for children.

Arts in the Park has remained popular for 65 years thanks to the dedication of Port Clinton Artists’ Club members and the talented artists who travel to Port Clinton to sell their art each summer.

“The vendors always say we’re their favorite show. We try to treat them right,” Patthoff said. “I think the park setting has a lot to do with it. The park is just beautiful. Plus, I have a good media chairman, Barbara Radebaugh.”

Patthoff said she is grateful for the many people who have supported Arts in the Park for 65 years.

“I invite everyone to come this year,” she said. “It should be a good time. I talked to a young woman this week, and she said her birthday is in August, but she likes Arts in the Park better than her birthday.”