Evergreen Park Celebrates 25th Annual 'Day in the Park'

Saturday’s 25th annual “Day in the Park” festival brought together folks from all over the Evergreen Park community to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at Circle Park.

For some, like Josie Donovan who helped run a charity lemonade stand at the fest, the day was a chance to make a difference. Several families set up the lemonade stand for 5-year-old Amy who was diagnosed with cancer this past month. Donovan, whose son recently graduated preschool with Amy, said friends of Amy’s family hope to support them financially in any way they can.

“It’s probably peanuts but it’s something,” Donovan said.

For some, the day was a chance to make a sale, like young entrepreneurs Maura M., 11, and her brother Eddie, 7. Their low-priced duct tape wares were just some of the many items available at various tents around the community center.

For some, the day was a chance to make a new friend, like Ella F., 3, who fed, petted and hugged Sugar Cream, a friendly goat at the park’s petting zoo.

But for all, it was a day to get out and enjoy the outdoors, especially with Saturday’s break from the summer heat.

Dennis Duffy, Evergreen Park’s director of recreation and the coordinator of the fest, said he hopes residents who skipped this year’s festival will consider coming next year.

“I think that they should know that they should be out here rather than sitting at home, watching TV or playing video games,” Duffy said. ”They’re missing a good time. We’ve got great DJs, great live music, great beer garden and the weather’s been fantastic.”