Islands Close By entertains at the Art in the Park festival June 5. The second time was the charm for the Cultural Council’s Art in the Park festival at Quinine Park in Forest Acres on June 5.

Last year, according to organizers and attendees, the weather didn’t cooperate and several tents and pieces of artwork went flying in the April wind. But this year was a different story, as a gentle breeze and sunshine combined to make it a perfect day for strolling in the recently renovated pocket park located at the corner of Beltline Boulevard and Forest Drive.

About a dozen vendors displayed their wares while WXRY broadcast from the venue, Moe’s Southwestern Grill sold food and drinks, and several bands serenaded the crowd, including Islands Close By, John English, and Blues Messenger.

“A perfect day,” said Forest Acres City Administrator Mark Williams, who passed the time in one of the three swings in the park while listening to Islands Close By. “Last year the weather was very iffy. So this is a good change.”

Another change that first–time visitors enjoyed was the recycled rubber walking trail, which snakes its way through the park and crosses over to another wooded area behind Walgreen’s. The park was given a $350,000 facelift several years ago, according to city officials, that included the removal of old playground equipment and the addition of a picnic pavilion and water fountains.

Among the vendors displaying their wares was Bead–dazzled, owned by Ann Ayer and Joy Tucker. The women design as well as host jewelry parties in peoples’ homes. Several other artists offering a variety of mediums also had their works on display.

The event was sponsored by The Cultural Council, which supports artists and arts organizations in Richland & Lexington Counties. Founded in 1984, the Cultural Council has contributed more than $10 million dollars to support the arts in the twocounty area.