I can hardly wait: Art in the Park, Appleton's premier and free arts festival, is coming July 27, 2009, in City Park. It starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 4:30 p.m., with dozens of fabulous artists from many states, along with food, entertainment, and loads of interesting people set in one of the most beautiful city parks anywhere.

I just came back from a large arts festival held in Salt Lake City, also featuring artists from many states. It was cool and very big, but still not as fine as Appleton's popular arts festival. The Salt Lake festival had an admission fee of $10 for adults, versus absolutely free in Appleton. And the setting was not as pretty and comfortable as on the grass of City Park.

Art in the Park is one of many Appleton traditions we can really be proud of.