Summer in the Park Series kicks off Saturday

By Cheri Reeves | on June 08, 2023

A Summer in the Park Series is launching Saturday, June 10, at Heritage Park featuring an Art in the Park event, presented by Clarksville Parks and Recreation.

The Summer in the Park Series, open to people of all ages, will consist of three separate events this summer, each dedicated to highlighting a different aspect of the visual and performing arts.

Summer in the Park replaces Movies in the Park in order to expand celebrations of art, theatre and dance, which will showcase some of the talent from the Clarksville community at each event.

In July, the Clarksville Parks and Recreation continues the series with Theatre in the Park at Liberty Park, followed by Dance in the Park in August at Liberty Park.

Art in the Park

On Saturday, at Clarksville's Heritage Park, located at 1241 Peachers Mill Road, there will be an artist show and sale, art lessons and fun activities.

Food trucks will be at the event, including Tacos Azteca, Kona Ice and Hot Dog Emergency.

In addition to area artists, Amanda Pitt, the event planning specialist with Clarksville Parks and Recreation, said several area organizations will be on hand, helping to provide a spectacular celebration of visual art and artistic expression.

"We are partnering with the Customs House Museum and local artists, as well as the Southern Black Arts Council and the Nurture House Group to bring an inclusive and engaging experience to this event," Pitt said.

Maria Haycraft, the founder and executive director of ArtLink, will be bringing the group's trailer full of fun and imaginative art activities to Heritage Park on Saturday.

Theatre in the Park

On Saturday, July 22, from 3-6 p.m., Theatre in the Park will take place at Clarksville's Liberty Park with food trucks- Johnny and June's, Monster Cone and Monster Dog and No Way Jose.

There will be activities for kids and adults, a professional Nashville Shakespeare Festival performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream presented by Clarksville Arts and Heritage.

A pre-show talk by Dr. Mickey Wadia from APSU and a performance mini class with the Southern Black Arts Council.

Dance in the Park

On Saturday, Aug. 12, Dance in the Park will take place at Liberty Park.

"We will host a local dance studio showcase, including Natalie's Dance Network, CAST and Crowns, AcroDance Express, and the Southern Black Arts Council," Pitt said. "We will have food trucks- MI Coney, Tacos Azteca and Kona Ice, and promotion space for the participating studios."

Pitt said they will also host fitness dancers, adult dance groups and dance lessons for all ages in the lineup.

For more information, visit: www.clarksvilleparksrec.com