Preparation for Art in the Park in Kennedale continues

by Bitty Reilly of Kennedale News

• Tweet
• Email
• Print
• 0 Comments

Performances are scheduled to provide cultural entertainment throughout the weekend including dancing, music, and singing.

Runners of all walks can sign up now for Kennedale’s first Art in the Park 5K and Fun Run and suit up for the event coming in April.

Monday, the Kennedale Arts and Market Festival Committee met to discuss planning for the spring event scheduled April 16-18. Presented by the committee and the City of Kennedale, the Kennedale Art Festival will benefit youth educational programs.

The location in Kennedale Town Center — behind the city hall on Municipal Drive — will include vendor and youth booth spaces measuring about 10 feet by 10 feet.

Art in the Park will be free to attend with the official opening at 4 p.m., Friday, April 16.

“Our goal is to bring art and art awareness to the city,” Lori Bryan marketing co-chair said.

Performances are scheduled to provide cultural entertainment throughout the weekend including dancing, music, and singing.

“We’re going to give each person about an hour and a half, because the horses and people get tired,” said Jennifer Ramey, entertainment coordinator. “Plus we want to make this as diverse as possible.”

An event in planning by the committee includes a Kennedale Idol contest. Judging methods were also considered. Visual art displays by artists and local talent will be shown for visitor appreciation.

Cruz Pitre, race coordinator, hoped a lot of younger racers and possibly schools would be able to get involved.

“I was thinking maybe of [teachers and parents] getting sponsors for kids so they don’t pay to race for the fun run or race,” Pitre said of the race entry fee. “Say it’s a class of maybe 15. They take it to a business and get it to sponsor them.”

Both races are open to all ages. Both races begin Saturday at 7:30 a.m. from the same location, but the Fun Run distance will include an earlier turn around point.

The art festival hours will be 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday.

The process of printing festival t-shirts is being deliberated in addition to the currently marketed prize t-shirts for all racers.

Following the races, an award ceremony is scheduled where prizes will be offered.

Sunday, the shows and events will continue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Committee members are considering a balloon release for the opening. Members are also planning with the coordination efforts from schools and the Kennedale City Council.

Event chair Felipe Guterierrez said planning and assistance is still needed in preparation and provision of hospitality tents, restroom facilities, more advertising, and sponsorship.

“We especially need coordination in the children’s area,” Guterierrez said.

The committee is still looking for volunteers and sponsors.

There is a $20 application fee for art festival vendors with booth prices ranging about $100. Insurance is recommended for vendors.

Artist, vendor and youth booth application deadlines are Feb. 1. The applications can be found online at kennedaleartsfestival.com. For more information or to volunteer, call 817-713-7426. The Arts and Market Festival Committee will meet again 6:45 p.m., Feb. 1 at the community center in the Kennedale Public Library 316 W. 3rd St.

Tweet