SOUTH PORTLAND — The annual Art in the Park Show & Sale at Mill Creek Park on Saturday, Aug. 9, turns 35 this year, and will be joined by the debut of what the city hopes will become an annual Knightville Street Festival.

The city’s signature free outdoor art show will display artwork and photography from 175 artists from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids in the Park, the children’s art creation and showcase area, will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Student Art Tent, open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., features art from South Portland students.

Judges will announce the winners of this year’s cash prizes for their art at noon in the park gazebo. First prize, Best in Show, receives $800; five runner-up Merit Award winners will receive $150, and the photography award Best Photo in Show winner will receive $500. Six student artists will also be selected to receive $30 prizes.

A food court, at the corner of Broadway and Ocean Street, will feature eight vendors, including India Palace, Luke’s Lobster and Orange Leaf frozen yogurt from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

In addition to art and food, Rob Schreiber’s Standard Issue will play classic jazz from 10-11:30 a.m., and Jim Gallant will plays uptempo tunes on his guitar throughout the afternoon.  

Throughout the day, Soma Massage & Wellness will offer chair massages, reflexology, acupuncture and home wellness products. 

Knightville Street Festival

As Art in the Park starts winding down, the first Knightville Street Festival will be starting up a short distance away.

The Ocean Street block party will take place between D Street to C Street, from 4-7 p.m. 

During the festival, Knightville businesses will host a variety of food, entertainment and activities for all ages, including a fashion show with garments from local designers, open studio art exhibits, vintage music from The Substitutes and the Swaggering Swingbillies, a classic car show and performances by roller derby girls. 

The event is spearheaded by Jeannie Dunnigan, owner of Cia cafe at 72 Ocean St., and Lisa Thompson, the city recreation coordinator. They said Ocean Street businesses hope the event mirrors the success of the city’s Winterfest.  

Shelby Carignan can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or scarignan@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @shelbycarignan.

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This year’s Art in the Park poster features art by Ryan Fildart, a South Portland second-grader. The 35th annual Art in the Park festival opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Mill Creek Park in South Portland, followed by the inaugural Knightville Street Festival on Ocean Street at 4 p.m.