Columbia Art in the Park event to continue through rain

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

While heavy storms are expected to move into Columbia Saturday, the Columbia Art League said its 66th annual Art in the Park event will continue rain or shine.

"Even if it's raining pretty hard, we're still open," Columbia Art League Executive Director Kelsey Hammond said. "This supportive community is so great to come to, that's why [artists] come and put up all their stuff in the rain because they know that people will come out and support them."

Art in the Park is a free, family-friendly event featuring around 110 art vendors from across the country, live music and food. The artists cover various media including drawing, fibers, wood and glass. There are also multiple interactive art installations and a 'Kid's Art Spot' tent with child-friendly activities like a tie-dye booth.

In the event of severe weather, event officials will have people move to the Boone Hospital parking garage for shelter. Hammond said the festival will continue once the bad weather passes.

According to the event's emergency plans, volunteers as well as police and fire personnel will be patrolling the area to assist in case of emergency events such as medical emergencies, lost children or theft.

Art in the Park is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.