Arts Picnic is turning 40 this year, and it seems to be aging beautifully! Oh sure…Lincoln Park, the venue it’s been held in since its beginning, has had a few face lifts. The festival has also gained a little weight over the years by adding additional artists and crafters, a second stage, and more kid’s activities. It definitely proves the old adage right that some things really do get better with age! In 1979, the original Arts Picnic Steering Committee orchestrated the first weekend event made up of a handful of talented artists and crafters, some wonderful community group entertainers, a few food vendors, and terrific young artist activities in a third of downtown Lincoln Park. These hardworking dedicated arts advocates set the stage for Arts Picnic to continue being the summertime event to attend for those who have been here for years, those just arriving, or visitors from throughout the US. Everyone gathers in beautiful historic Lincoln Park to stroll through 150 artists and crafters’ booths selling photographs, watercolors, handmade soaps, garden art, jewelry, ceramics, woodworked items and so much more. For music fans, it’s just a hop and a skip between two stages that host some of the best local and regional performers playing folk to funk, salsa to soul, honky-tonk to indie-rock and yes . . . even Elvis! Not to mention, balloon twisters, magicians, and a circus troupe roaming through the park all weekend! It’s easy enough to take a break in the food court that offers fabulous festival fare including BBQ, burritos, calzones and kabobs or enjoy a cold one in the beer garden conveniently located close to Center Stage entertainment. The Picnic’s Creation Station is perfect for all of the mini-Monets and pint-size Picassos where they can let their imaginations run free with make ‘n take arts and crafts projects and hands-on musical activities. So dig out your culottes or bell bottoms or your velour track suit and tennis headband, and make your way to Lincoln Park where we’ll be celebrating 40 years of this well-loved summertime festival with thousands of our closest friends on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29!