‘This is my favorite event’: Bicentennial Park gets colorful makeover

Jul 6, 2024

MARION — The phone at the Marion Art Center was ringing consistently throughout the morning of Saturday, July 6, with Tri-Town residents all wondering the same thing.

“We had probably 20 phone calls this morning,” said Director Jodi Stevens. “People were saying ‘Is it on?’”

Despite some contention from Mother Nature via scattered pockets of rain, Marion Art Center’s annual “Arts in the Park” event proved yet again to be a popular event in the community.

With over 25 vendors to sift through, attendees walked around Bicentennial Park examining various forms of art such as paintings, jewelry and pottery.

“[This event] means a lot to us,” said Stevens. “I think people in the community love this event and it is so nice to see that so many people came out despite the rain…The artists seem to really enjoy it as well.”

Stevens said planning for the event started at the beginning of the calendar year. The Marion Art Center’s exhibition committee received applications from vendors who were interested in participating.

One returning vendor was Mattapoisett resident Melanie Ungvarsky, who specializes in making pieces of artwork out of glass, metals and textiles.

“This is my favorite event,” said Ungvarsky. “Everybody is happy, there’s music, the vendors are awesome…It is an easy and relaxed show.”

Ungvarsky said that she has been making art for around 20 years and has recently been sticking to participating in events close to home.

Live music and a food truck right outside of the park provided additional entertainment to guests.