The Festival in the Park in Spearfish is probably my favorite outdoor events. Back when I lived in Spearfish, I practically lived in the park during the festival. Kids play in the creek, old folks find a shady spot — there’s lots of shade in Spearfish City Park — and the rest of us hang out and take in the whole scene.
Hard to believe it’s been going 31 years now. This year’s Festival in the Park is this weekend, July 18 to 20. It has more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, food booth — including a Japanese food booth — and lots of music.
Unlike some other festivals — I won’t mention any names — the Spearfish organizers are pretty picky about which arts-and-crafts vendors get to set up shop. You don’t find any commercial vendors selling air conditioners, lawn chairs or insurance. The art is good, and not all that expensive.
Organizers say that this year’s vendors come from 18 different states including Delaware, Washington, Wisconsin and Texas. More than 30,000 people attend.
This is from the festival press release:
Entertainers will include Brule, Top Hats & Roses, The Dance Company, T. J. Casey, Max Meyer, Dogs Without Sweaters, a popular band from Rapid City, Rausis and Royer Jazz Guitar Duo, the Black Hills State Players, Brandon Flanagan and Brock Finn.
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