Arts in the Park planned Sept. 14

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department invites residents to take a “Trip Around the World” — all from the comfort of The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park.

The fall 2013 Arts in the Park has an international theme — showcasing entertainment, crafts and fine art inspired by a variety of cultures from around the world.

The event, free and open to the public, is 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park is located at 6055 Creekside Forest Drive, 77389.

Pamela Woods, Township recreation superintendent, said the event has been going for six straight years — expanding each time to include more artists and more activities.

“Having it a little longer and making it into a big event has been a great success,” she said.

Woods said there will be local theater and community group performances. The lineup for the entertainment is still in the works.

Local artisans will also set up booths, where shoppers will find a variety of fine art and hand-crafted items for sale, including paintings, woodworking, pottery and jewelry, as well as children’s clothing and toys.

“Everything is handmade and original,” Woods said.

Woods said that the Township began searching for artists to feature at the event three months ago.

“The artist applications have

been growing over the years,” she said. “We will have 25 local artists at our September events.”

Younger guests at the festival may explore their own creative drives at the Kidzone.

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department promotes and encourages arts and humanities through class offerings throughout the year, assistant director Kelly Dietrich said.

“We have over 200 programs that we offer,” she said.

One example is the long-running Fall Concert in the Park series. Residents and visitors can head to Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, for live music. The Sunday evening concerts are free and open to the public — and feature a variety of musical genres ranging from country and jazz to blues and rock.

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programming year-round – from jitterbug classes, Spanish lessons and fly-fishing clinics for adults to Baby Ballet, Tiny Tennis and Rock Band Academy for kids.

The department also sponsors holiday camps for children, SAT prep courses for teens and fitness programs for adults.

She said last year the department partnered with the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber to bring Latino dance and art to the festival.

“We thought we could expand that this year,” Dietrich said.

The chamber will return for this year’s multicultural theme. There will also be Indian dancers performing on the stage.

“There will be a combination of culture and arts — some local and various people from around the state,” she said.

Dietrich said she always brings her own children to the Arts in the Park.

“We never miss this event; it’s so much fun,” Dietrich said. “The kids have a blast.”

For more information, visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/artsinthepark or call 281-2103800.