VERO BEACH — Fall was in the air Saturday afternoon, as was the smell of kettle corn and barbeque, at one of the most beautiful spots to enjoy it, along the Indian River Lagoon. On Saturday and Sunday, Vero Beach’s Riverside Park was the place to be to enjoy the Treasure Coast Pilot Club’s 25th annual Autumn in the Park, an arts and crafts spectacular attracting more than a hundred artists from all over Florida.
A melange of arts and crafts surrounded the perimeter of Riverside Park, and people ambled under the oaks, admiring and purchasing sea glass jewelry, palm frond fish, painted shells, hand painted glassware, handmade soap and fragrances, and other items that would make fine holiday gifts.
Vero Beach resident Jane Meeks had her eye on several pieces of jewelry, eyeing the various booths, and listening to stories the artists had to tell, especially the ones about the far off places where they had obtained their sea glass for exquisite earrings and pendants.
“I like to go through the whole show, and come back and buy from my favorites,” said Meeks, explaining her strategy. “I am attracted to the more craftsy, unique artists.”
Lucille Hart, also of Vero Beach, was selling her paintings and photographs of familiar spots around Indian River County, as well as whimsical painted shells.
“My shellfish,” Hart laughed, “they will make you smile when you see them sitting on your desk.”
Her secret to her stunning photographs of our beach at sunrise was simple, but not easy.
“I let the light hit, and then I shoot the photograph. Either you see the light, or you’re forever in the dark.”
Over at Ocean Energy and Earthbound Art, Mason Farrow, a Beachland Elementary School first grader was entranced with artist Terri Finethy’s colorful, folksy art made from all kinds of recycled materials. When asked what he’d do with the magic wand he coveted, made by Finethy, he replied thoughtfully.
“I’d hang it up in my room,” said Farrow.
Finethy’s booth was a magical oasis, filled what she called, “crazy, wacky wire work,” with jeweled studded metal picture frames, ‘dream beings’, dream catchers, and chandeliers.
Tammy Vock, who was spearheading the event, was pleased with the turnout, despite the ominous clouds and a brief sprinkling of rain drops.
“It’s been a great day. The parking lot was overflowing,” said Vock. “I’ve been seeing people carrying bags out, so that’s a good sign.
In addition to the artisans, patrons enjoyed juice from Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, as well as a shuttle service from the parking lot to the exhibits. The Blood Mobile was a popular stop on the way back to the parking lot.
“Business is booming,” said phlebotomist Nicole Bentley. “We’re air conditioned. There’s a place to lie down, and we give you a cold drink and a free t-shirt when you’re finished.
The Pilot Club, which has nothing to do with airplanes, but everything to do with community service.
Ongoing programs include safety awareness programs and donating funds to county projects to provide access to park facilities for wheelchair-bound children.
Autumn in the Park will continue on Sunday from 9:00 am. Until 4:00 pm.