Applications and Forms

Day in the Park is the Laurel Arts League’s largest annual event, which takes place the first Saturday each May from 9am - 3pm in Mason Park. 

The day begins with a 5K race followed by a Fun Run. Throughout the day, patrons can enjoy live music, student and juried art competitions, delicious festival cuisine, children’s activities, and the works of skilled craftsmen from across the region. 

Need assistance? 

Arts & Crafts Vendors: DayInParkArtsAndCrafts@gmail.com

Concessions Vendors:  DITPConcessions@gmail.com 

Entertainment Chairperson:  DITPEntertainment@gmail.com 

Race Chairperson: DITP5kRace@gmail.com

 Children's Activities:  DITPChildrensActivities@gmail.com  

Donation/Sponsorship: LALSponsorshipCommittee@gmail.com

Day In The Park Overall Event Chairperson: DIPChair@gmail.com 

For more information about Day in the Park click here

First Saturday in May

Mason Park, Laurel MS

 Day in the Park kicks off with the annual 5K race at 8:00 a.m. (rain or shine), followed immediately by the one-mile fun run. 

This challenging 5k race runs through the historic district of downtown Laurel, MS. 

Online Race Registration Click Here

 Need assistance now? Race Chairperson: DITP5kRace@gmail.com 

 Day in the Park 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run Weather Policy

The safety of our participants is our top priority. In the event of severe weather conditions, the race may be delayed, adjusted, or canceled.

Any changes will be communicated as soon as possible.

Please note that registration fees are non-refundable, as this event serves as a fundraiser for the Laurel Arts League, helping to support arts programs in our community. We appreciate your understanding and support!

Open to ALL students from Kindergarten to 12th grade living in Jones or the surrounding counties. 

Judged by local artists and art educators, the winners are given a small scholarship and ribbon.

All artwork is exhibited at the Day in the Park: Student Art Tent on Saturday.

- There is a limit of two (2) items of artwork per student. 

- There is a $3.00 entry fee per item of artwork.

Please review the full contest guidelines below.

Artwork Entry Drop-off 

Wednesday, April 30 | 3:30 - 5:00pm

St. John’s Episcopal Church - Parish Hall

Display at Student Art Tent

 Saturday at Day in the Park | 9:00 to 3:00

 Questions? Contact Student Art Contest Chairman: 

jennleebush@aol.com

Guidelines For Artwork:

• Eligibility: All students in k5-6th Grade enrolled at the following schools: Mason Elementary, Oak Park, Laurel Magnet School of the Arts, Laurel Upper Elementary, Saint John's Day School, LCS Elementary
• Contest Guidelines are provided to each school's art teacher/department.
• All media is allowed

Entry Guidelines:

• Each entry must include on the back upper right hand corner: Name, grade, teacher, and school

Judging Guidelines:

• Artwork is judged by a panel of League members. Artist's names remain hidden from judges until all awards have been given. If a judge has a child enrolled in the contest, that judge is excused from reviewing artwork from that grade & school.
• There are three rounds of judging. First, second, and third place ribbons are awarded for each grade level at each school during the first round. Then, the first place winners from each school advance to the semifinal round where their entry is judged against others in their grade level from the six other city schools. From these entries, first, second, and third place winners are selected. Finalist awards are announced at the invitation-only Winners’ Reception. 

2024 City Wide Art Contest

Theme: "In a World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind"

Some examples: 

What does kindness look like to you? Can you think of a time when someone showed you kindness? Who was it? Where were you? Is there someone you can be kind to? What is a way you can show someone kindness?

Entry Deadline: Contest entries will be picked up from the school: Week of March 4-8, 2024

Winners Exhibit, Lauren Rodgers Museum of Art:  TBD

• The Laurel Arts League High School Scholarship Program is open all high school seniors attending school in, or residing in, Laurel/Jones County. This includes all public, private, and homeschool programs. This program is not limited to students planning to major in the visual arts, but applicants must be able to provide an art portfolio.

Awards will be determined on a competitive basis and require the submission of an art portfolio and letters of recommendation. 

All work must be original in fabrication and concept.  

Questions/Applications should be emailed to: artsleaguescholarship@gmail.com.