Day in the Park

About the Event

Day in the Park is the Laurel Arts League’s largest annual event, which takes place the first Saturday each May 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.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and with continued concern for the safety and health of all involved, the 49th Day in the Park will not occur in its traditional form on May 1, 2021. The Laurel Arts League is excited to celebrate the arts in different ways that will benefit the community in a safe manner.

The health and safety of our community, as well as that of the hardworking people who make this event possible, remain our top priority and have guided us to this decision. Of course, we miss all of you and cannot wait for when we can gather together again. However, with the continued restrictions on gatherings and current social distancing standards, we felt that we could not deliver an experience that the community has grown accustomed to with Day in the Park.

We are hard at work making plans for smaller pop-up events that will be announced in the coming weeks. Our 5k Race and Student Art Contest will still take place this year, but they'll look a little different. Stay tuned to our website and social media pages for more information as these events come to fruition!

And we are looking forward to 2022 when the 50th anniversary of Day in the Park will be the biggest and best yet!

Stay safe!

Please contact the Laurel Arts League with any questions about Day in the Park.

Click here for Vendor Applications

About Day in the Park

Race the 5K and Fun Run

May 1, 2021

Mason Park, Laurel MS

(Yes, this event is happening!)

The Day in the Park Races kick off the day with the

annual 5K race that starts at 8:00 a.m. in the park on 18th

Street (rain or shine), followed immediately by the one-mile

fun run. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. and awards will be

presented at 9:00 a.m.

Race Registration

Enjoy Live Music

Entertainment begins at 9:30 a.m. and will feature a variety of performances including rhythm, blues, country,

variety, popular and jazz. Bring your Lawn chair and come enjoy!

Purchase Art from Regional Artists

Join us at 9:00 a.m. by visiting and shopping with our Arts and Crafts vendors who will be located throughout the park. Shop for those one-of-a-kind creations, Mother’s Day gifts, Christmas gifts or something special for the kids!

Day in the Park Juried Booth invites arts and crafts vendors to participate in juried art. Entries will be judged and cash prizes will be awarded as follows:

1st place - $500; 2nd place - $250; and 3rd place - $150.

In addition to the registration fee of $75, there will be a non-refundable fee of $25 for a juried booth.

Become an Arts & Crafts Vendor

Grab A Bite

Festival concessionaires will offer a tantalizing array of Food including hamburgers, corndogs, barbecue, chicken-on-astick, funnel cakes, ice cream, lemonade and soft drinks.

Become a Concessions Vendor

Even More

View the Local Student Art Exhibit

May 1, 2021

(Yes, this event is happening! Details coming soon!)

Students from Kindergarten to 12th grade exhibit their art in a large tent at Day in the Park. Judged by local artists and art educators, the winners are given a small scholarship and ribbon. We welcome

the participation of students from public and private schools

as well as home-schooled children.

Find out more

Create Art and Crafts with your children

Local civic organizations, churches and businesses provide fun opportunities for children to get hands-on with art and crafts throughout the day! Make sand art, get your face painted, and much more!

Buy the T-shirt and support the arts in Laurel!

Every year a local arts designs a unique t-shirt.

They're for sale at Day in the Park

and select retail locations around Laurel.

Check back for a list of retailers!