CW Notes

    The Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden will present the sixth annual Rhapsody in Bloom Arts Festival on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 29, noon to 5 p.m. This event—a celebration of art, music, food and bloom—is sponsored by WCBU 89.9 fm radio and the Times Newspapers.      Come see the inspired works of a diverse selection of local artists; listen to the beat of talented musicians and performers; and taste culinary creations from some of Peoria’s finest eateries – all in a fragrant garden setting! Highlights of the event include: 

• Art Show - Rhapsody in Bloom includes a juried art competition. Judging is Saturday, June 28, at 10 p.m., with prizes presented at 12 p.m.
• Children’s Art and Activities - Volunteers will host children’s crafts both days—at no charge. Activities include painting terra- cotta flowerpots and making personalized picture frames.              
• Rotating Sculpture Garden - Our amazing Rotating Sculpture Garden, a “spin-off” from the popular sculpture display at the first Rhapsody in Bloom, is always a popular attraction. Be sure to see all the exciting pieces by local sculptors displayed throughout the Garden. Then come back to see new pieces in a couple months!
• Silent Auction - Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on unique, one-of-a-kind art, generously donated to help our garden grow. Try to win your favorite art treasure for yourself or a special gift. Bids for Silent Auction items start at half their value.
• MUSIC/PERFORMERS - WCBU 89.9 FM will have a booth at Rhapsody in Bloom and will broadcast from the event both days.
• FOOD - Participating food vendors will include:
• Haddad’s Restaurant - Lebanese cuisine, chicken, pork chops, brats, hog dogs
• Hickory Stick -  Pork Barbecue Sandwiches, Snow Cones
• BLOOM, ETC. -Luthy Botanical Garden is a beautiful setting for this unique arts festival, which includes some outstanding floral/herbal exhibits. Be sure to see Luthy’s newly redesigned Rose Garden too!           

• Bonsai Show - The annual Bonsai Show, presented by the Heart of Illinois Bonsai Club, is a natural fit with Rhapsody in Bloom. Always a popular and interesting show, the Bonsai Show features a variety of intricate specimens, and members of the Heart of Illinois Bonsai Club are on hand to provide information and answer questions.
• Peoria Herb Guild - The Peoria Herb Guild will have an informational booth where members will answer questions and provide information about edible and decorative herbs and herb gardens.

Admission to Rhapsody in Bloom is $3 per person. Children twelve and under are free. For more information about the event, call Ann Kizer, events coordinator, at Luthy Botanical Garden, (309) 686-3362.