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ALPENA -- The annual Art in the Park event in Alpena has continued to grow over the last five years and as a result, it has been able to raise about $22,000 that it donated to local charities and causes.
This year's Art in the Park, is on Saturday at McRae Park from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and money earned from vendor's fees, concessions, and raffles will be donated to the local service group Heroes.
Heroes is a local Alpena nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals with special needs and their caregivers through essential resources, community support, and social events.
Bishop said the idea of having an arts and craft show and using it as a way to help others in the Alpena community to give back. She said in past years, organizations such as Sunrise Mission, Hope Shores Alliance, Friends of Animal Control, Second Chance Animal Shelter, the Alpena Boy's and Girl's Club, and the local trap, spay, and neuter group.
"It didn't seem right for us to keep all of the money, after our costs, so we reached out to Sunrise Mission the first year and partnered with them," she said. "The following year, the number of vendors we had doubled and it has continued to grow since."
Bishop said so far, there are 25 vendors committed to Saturday's event. She said if there are other vendors who want to participate, they can contact her before Friday at 10 p.m. at 989-657-9366 to register.
Bishop said other items are also being collected. She said people are encouraged to donate bottled water, snacks, games, and arts and crafts supplies. Those that make donations will be entered into a drawing for a door prize.
Also, Bishop said, there will be games and activities for children during the event and many items available for people of all ages and most interests.