PARIS, IL — It’s ‘faire’ weather for gardens, art and outdoor pleasures.
All will be combined at the June 20 Parisienne Garden Walk and Arts Faire hosted by the First United Methodist Church of Paris.
According to co-chairman Mary Geekie, five Paris gardens will be on the walk this year from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in addition to the century-old gardens of Methodist Park at the corner of Court and Sheriff streets.
Tickets for the biennial Garden Walk and Arts Faire are now available at the church or from members of the committee, including Wanda Trott and Dani Reeley. Tickets and directional maps will also be available in Methodist Park the day of the event, which will be staged rain or shine.
“This is a wonderful way for our guests to spend a summer day, and to help us raise money for missions and special projects in the process,” said Geekie, who is partnered with Sandy Randall in chairing the event. The funds generated this year from the Parisian Garden Walk and Arts Faire will be used to benefit Methodist Park and to help restore the Rose Window of the church, erected in 1902.
This year, the five gardens scattered throughout historic Paris offer a potpourri of personal style in gardening, Geekie said.
“I like to keep the location of the gardens a surprise until the day of the event, but I can reveal that homes this year include a hidden garden, lakeside garden, victory garden, woodland garden and friendship garden,” said Geekie.
Nestled among the original 13 gardens that are maintained by church volunteers in Methodist Park, select artisans will demonstrate, make and sell their wares.
Artisan booths and vendors this year will include candle making, pottery, wooden crafts, garden accessories, quilts, pillows, plants, baskets and woven wonders, according to Geekie.
In addition, special “garden talks” will be conducted in the gazebo on the grounds during the event. Speakers will include Gene Killion on the importance of bees in the garden, and Joe Sanders will guide a garden tour from a historical perspective. Times will be announced at a later date.
A variety of talented local musicians will provide music in the park throughout the day. They include Barbara Dick, Paul Lynch, Tanner Laughlin and The Fairchilds.
Chances to win a few special items will be offered to participants. The items include an afghan, an original watercolor painting and hand-painted gourd bird house, and a watermelon table runner.
Lunch will be available in Methodist Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We are going to have such a good time. For the cost of a ticket ($5), we hope that people will come and spend the entire day with us,” Geekie said.
