GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Friday central market and a park full of art come to Griffith in summer edition

What’s recently happened?

During the weekend of July 26-28, Griffith held its annual Country Music Festival.

The festival brought cowboys and cowgirls from all over the area to see some of the music they enjoy, while also giving some people the opportunity to listen to music they may have never heard before.

The Country Music Festival is a new popular attraction taking place in the middle of summer, and something that residents will be looking forward to for years to come.

“I love being with my friends and family, and seeing all the different things there, like food and music,” said festival attendee Madison Denny. “I am absolutely going to go again, and a lot of people should go in the future.”

Along with the Country Music Fest, the weekly Friday Market in Central Park has been happening. The market is an opportunity for people of all ages to attend and have fun with friends and family, listen to good music, and eat good food.

“The Friday Market has always been something I’ve looked forward to,” said Ayden Foster, Griffith resident. “My friends and I always go and we always have a lot of fun with each other.”

Friday Market’s are something that a lot of people in town continue to look forward to year after year. Vendors get a chance to do business and sell food, and it is a place where residents can be themselves with the people they love.

What’s coming up?

Inaugurated in 1974, the “Park Full of Art” event and fine arts showcase has become a tradition in Central Park.

Taking place during the third weekend of July, the art show displays work from the likes of artists around the country wanting to get their name out to the public.

“We typically have around 45 to 50 vendors,” said Kathie Price, current chairman. “All of them are fine arts artists, ranging anywhere from sculptors to painters, and even jewelers and potters. Everyone comes from around the country, some from towns around us like Highland and Munster, as well as those from other states like Michigan and Tennessee, even Oklahoma.”

The event is in its 51st year, with many making an effort to attend each year to see the different pieces that are offered and on display. Throughout those years, the committee has grown and made not just planning, but the entire process of the event easier for everyone involved.

“Charles VanGorp originally started the event, and my dad eventually took over after just the first year,” said Price. “Now, I am the chairman, and there’s a committee of around 20 people.”

“We have several people who have been on the committee for decades, and everyone working together is like a well-oiled machine,” said Price. “They are very good at what they do, and they put on an amazing show every year.”

This year is no different. They have the scene set for artists alike to come together and create a community of creativity. People in surrounding towns and anywhere can partake in the event and see several unique types of fine art in “Park Full of Art.”

Community Spotlight:

For the 53rd annual Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association (IVFA) Miss Flame Convention, Gracey Wilson was the District 1 representative for the competition.

“In the beginning, I really thought it would make me extremely busy, but I was wrong,” said Wilson.

She was nervous, as she’s never done anything of the sort.

“I didn’t exactly know what to expect,” said Wilson. “I had so many people tell me different things, I kind of just went in not really expecting anything big, and I think it actually helped me.”

The convention was held in Indianapolis on June 17-19.

“My mind couldn’t actually believe that I was there and about to be competing,” said Wilson. “I had waves of excitement and anxiety, but it all went away pretty quickly.”

Wilson had to attend different events with the other participants, including helping with the Ronald McDonald Charity and the judging events.

“I just tried to stay confident and be myself during my interviews,” said Wilson. “After I was just pouring bad thoughts about things I might’ve done wrong or bad.”

Wilson didn’t win the competition, but she’s glad she went. It was a vital learning opportunity for her, and she gained knowledge to use for years to come.

“Honestly, after the event, I got so many compliments and ‘Good jobs,’” said Wilson. “It made me feel honored in the end, and I’m looking forward to next year.”