Riverside Park was filled with more than falling leaves last weekend as shoppers flocked to the Treasure Coast Pilot Club’s 29th annual Autumn in the Park.
This year 60 of the 90 vendors were new to the annual juried arts and crafts show, adding another dimension to the popular event. With a wide variety of handcrafted jewelry, wood, ceramics and glass pieces, artwork in watercolors, oils and acrylics, plants and garden accessories, handmade clothing and fiber art, foods and skin care products, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The club added a map this year to make it easier to navigate through the plethora of vendors and ensure that shoppers wouldn’t miss anything. Many attendees took a break in the shade and enjoyed lunch or a cold treat before making their way through the rest of the unique items on display, hoping to get a head start on their holiday shopping.
“The two-day event has grown over the years,” explained event chair Tammy Bursick. “We are thrilled with the number of people who have shown up for the event.”
The Treasure Coast Pilot Club was founded more than 20 years ago by a group of businesswomen who wanted to be part of the international group’s mission to “sponsor worthwhile service projects to improve the quality of life in their communities.”
The local chapter is dedicated to service and friendship, and focuses on service projects in the areas of brain disorders, leadership development, service for community and patriotism. The group not only supports the community through financial contributions, but it also provides thousands of service hours to local projects contributing to the improvement of Indian River County.
Funds raised through Autumn in the Park will benefit the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County, a relationship formed several years ago when the club provided funding for their Project Lifesaver program. Funds enable them to provide free tracking bracelets and replacement batteries to residents with Alzheimer’s and other brain-related disorders, and to autistic children who are at risk of wandering off. The transmitters’ vital tracking technology is used by law enforcement to search for and rescue those individuals if the need arises, most often finding them in less than 30 minutes.
“We were able to apply for a grant through the International Club and then match the funds to help launch the program,” shared Joan Edwards. “My husband had Alzheimer’s and the people at the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association were a great resource.”
Their annual Pancake Breakfast, held during the Hibiscus Festival, is another of their major fundraisers, raising money for scholarships, charitable organizations and civic endeavors throughout the community.
