Violet Crown Thing in the Park, Saturday, May 2

Make plans to join your friends and neighbors at the Violet Crown Thing in the Park, to be held in Brentwood Park on Saturday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In the spirit of previous Violet Crown Festivals, this event is being organized by Violet Crown Community Works. Since 2003, VCCW has helped build and sustain community in Brentwood and Crestview by supporting neighborhood events and enhancement projects.

Admission to the Thing in the Park is free, and there will be fun activities for all ages, including art and craft vendors, live music and other entertainment from neighborhood groups, kids' activities, and good old-fashioned games like sack races and pitching washers! We'll also have living history displays and activities and sales of a neighborhood history film and booklet.

Bring your blanket and a picnic or enjoy great food and tasty treats from Hangtown Grill, Amy's Ice Creams, Hey Cupcake!, and others. Major sponsors include Grande Communications, The Pilates Center of Austin, Texas DPS Credit Union, Sweet Leaf Tea, Thunderbird Coffee, The Art Pad, Stepping Stone School, and Barnstormers Studio.

Proceeds from the Thing in the Park will be dedicated to seating and other enhancements for the Wall of Welcome area. Additional proceeds will benefit Voices of the Violet Crown, an ongoing oral history project in the neighborhood.

Join us for a fun day in the park! The Violet Crown Thing in the Park needs volunteers before, during and after the event, which will be held from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on May 2. The jobs aren't hard, and are fun and easy ways to meet your neighbors and do something good for your community! If you can give a couple of hours to the event, please contact Vanita Trippe (vtrippe@hotmail.com or 302-9792) or Diane Bennett (454-3259 or at Crestview Barber Shop).

We are still looking for local talent to provide entertainment during the 15-minute set changes on the music stage. If you are interested in performing, contact Sally Brannon, sally@earthkeeperesc.com or phone 970-3995.

Artists and artisans interested in a booth at the Thing should contact Mona Prater, beadornment@hotmail.com or phone 450-1167.

For more information and updates about the event, stay tuned to neighborhood newsletters, listservs, and violetcrownfestival.com.