The hot sun blazed down from a clear blue sky last Saturday morning, offering barely a breeze as performers gave it their all, performing on stage at the fourth annual Celebrate the Arts Festival at Riverside Park, hosted by the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Cultural arts and music lovers wandered the park, stopping at a wide variety of booths filled with artists selling their creations, authors promoting books and a slew of non-profit organizations, civic groups and restaurants offering informational materials and goodies.
A soft wind by noon helped a little, as did visits to Riverside Theatre, Riverside Children’s Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art, which each offered activities in air-conditioned comfort throughout the day.
Riverside Theatre gave visitors backstage tours, affording a fascinating peek behind the curtain on the ways its productions are professionally planned and executed. Tour guides revealed sets currently being developed and gave a glimpse into the famous Green Room, practice spaces and brightly lit dressing rooms.
RCT presented short stage shows staged by many of the young students who studied and performed at sessions during the summer and fall, and the museum offered a free day of exhibitions as well as a Kids Art Shop.
Back in the park, the day of free family-friendly fun ranged from coloring book contests for youngsters to antique car displays of gleaming vehicles that delighted young and old enthusiasts alike.
Tantalizing aromas from the various food offerings filled the air, and parched adults imbibed cold beers introduced by the new Walking Tree Brewery. Sitting in the shade to enjoy their repast, all eyes were on the center stage, as visitors watched music and theater performances throughout the day by our many talented students and residents.
“I am not really nervous but it is a little scary to know you are representing the whole and representing yourself in an art community,” said cellist Evan Rovinet, a member of the Vero Beach High School Sinfonia instrumentalists. “Celebrate the Arts gets the community out here so we can show them what we are able to do.”
“It’s very inspiring,” said Jo Zaza, who came to listen to a friend’s son perform.
“New this year is a wonderful tent reserved for artists, authors, poets and speakers, with a program scheduled every 20 minutes for a demonstration or talk,” said Barbara Hoffman, Cultural Council executive director. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to hear some of our locals and see the scope of our membership.”
Highwayman Hall of Fame inductee Willie C. Reagan spoke about the history of the Highwaymen, their rise to fame and the resurgence of art in Indian River County.
“I am retired now 21 years from the school system,” said Reagan, who worked as an artist, teacher and carpenter. “Now I look at the young people and want to help spur them along by sharing my talents with them.”
