'Art in the Park Rain or Shine' part of the new marketing campaign for the 38th annual festival, April 28, 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait)

‘Art in the Park Rain or Shine’ part of the new marketing campaign for the 38th annual festival, April 28, 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait)

Last year’s event in Windsor’s Willistead Park broke attendance records. About 40,000 people came through the gate, and sales surpassed years in the past. Event Chair Allan Kidd said one vendor had to drive home for more inventory when they sold out.

More than 250 vendors from Ontario and Quebec registered for this year’s festival. Another 20 food vendors signed up, including local beer, wine, and spirits makers.

A complimentary bike valet is new this year. Those who go will find it at the Chilver Road entrance.

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Kids Zone is back with four giant inflatables, face painting, and the chance to meet some of their favourite characters.

A free shuttle service will carry festival-goers to Willistead Park from 1591 Kildare Road and the Hiram Walker parking lot on Riverside Drive at Montreuil Avenue.

Admission is $8 at the gate, but guests can buy a ticket online for $7. There is no charge for children aged 12 and under.

Art in the Park has raised $1.3-million for the Rotary Club of Windsor 1918’s restoration efforts at Willistead Manor and $2-million for local and global projects.

“Much of our community doesn’t know that Art in the Park is a fundraising event. The people who attend help us raise the funds to build schools, drill wells, and deliver books, medicine and wheelchairs at home and around the world,” said Kidd.

Art in the Park on Saturday is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.