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After a nearly year-and-a-half of planning, the first annual Art in the Park (AIP) is finally set to take place, and it will do so alongside the Master Gardener Plant Fair and Spring Fling, and the Special Olympics Car and Truck Show - all of which have been scheduled for Saturday, May 11.

Admission to and parking for all events will be free, and parking will be behind Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center. A shuttle will be on hand to transport attendees to and from all three scheduled events.

Art in the Park

AIP has officially been scheduled for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 11 in James D. Beville City Park in Leitchfield, according to GCA Event Coordinator Rita Stevenson.

Sponsored by the Grayson County Alliance (GCA) and, in part, by a grant from Leitchfield Tourism, the AIP was conceived in January of 2012 as a signature fund-raising event for the GCA that would also serve as a chance to provide something new to the community, according to Stevenson.

All proceeds from AIP will go toward funding the GCA’s efforts to help area residents with limited resources.

Numerous local and regional artists, such as potter Debra Mulligan, and, weather-permitting, basket-maker Leona Waddell will be in attendance at AIP. Artists will have the chance to set up booths, display and sell their work, and interact with the community, Stevenson said.

Local artist Larry Elmore will be the featured artist for AIP, and while he will not be in attendance, Elmore’s artwork will be on display during the event.

A wide variety of art forms will be represented, including painting, photography, jewelry-making, wood-working, and numerous other crafts, as well, Stevenson said.

In addition, Grayson County High School Art Teacher Beverly Dowell will be supervising children’s art lessons throughout the day that will be taught by GCHS Advanced Art students, Stevenson said.

Submitted student artwork will be judged and on display throughout the day, as well. Stevenson said over 90 entries, from elementary school-through-college-aged students, have been submitted to be set up at AIP. In addition, over 600 entries have been received in response to the elementary school art contest.

A number of local musical artists will provide entertainment during AIP, including Dear Prudence, Take Note, First Little Rock, Stefan Miller, and Leitchfield City Councilman Harold Miller, the latter of whom has helped with organizing the entertainment and musicians for AIP, Stevenson said.

Individuals seeking further information on Art in the Park may visit gcaartinthepark.org or contact via e-mail at gcaartinthepark@gmail.com or phone at 270-589-1425.

Plant Fair and Spring Fling

Starting at 7 a.m. and running through 2 p.m. in front of Grayson County Middle School on May 11, the fourth annual Plant Fair and Spring Fling will be open to the community.

The Plant Fair and Spring Fling is hosted by the Master Gardener Association of Grayson County and will feature vendors from a number of area nurseries who will have products for sale.

“We love being able to gather most of the plant businesses in one location,” Master Gardener President Martha Higgs said. “It offers everyone the chance to do some one-stop-shopping for their summer gardens.”

Individuals will have the opportunity to shop in the Master Gardeners General Store and also receive free flower or vegetable seeds from the Plant Fair Welcome Center.

Workshops will be presented every half hour during the Plant Fair, as well, that will cover a variety of topics, including growing Kentucky wildflowers, beekeeping, and diagnosing plant problems.

The Plant Fair and Spring Fling serves as a fundraiser to aid the Master Gardeners’ providing horticulture seminars to the public and working various community projects, including the children’s vegetable garden at H.W. Wilkey Elementary School, the landscaping around the Leitchfield Public Square, and the expansion of the gardens at the Jack Thomas House.

Car and Truck Show

The Grayson County Special Olympics Car and Truck Show is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at H.W. Wilkey Elementary on May 11, as well.

Participants in the show will compete for more than 70 trophies in over 10 categories, and judges will score the entrees based on the interior, paint, engines, overall, and best of class.

Proceeds from the Car and Truck Show will go toward helping residents in Grayson County who have special needs participate in athletic events each fall and spring. Money raised will help pay for lodging and meals at out of town events and entry fees.

Co-organizer Alfreda Weedman said, “We don’t want anyone to not be able to participate because of cost. Whatever costs are involved in the competition Special Olympics covers. [The Car and Truck Show] is the only fundraiser we do, and it has been enough to keep us going.”

Oldies music will serve as entertainment throughout the day, and a silent auction will be held and door prizes given, as well.