Evening on the prairie will be Garden Party theme

Photo

Committee members and Mill Creek MetroParks staff members gather after finalizing the details for Prairie Nights, the 20th annual summer Garden Party of Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park. From left to right are Dennis Penner, gardens supervisor; Margi Napoli, committee member; Sharon Letson, co-chair; David Armstrong, Dolly Vivalo and Deby Clark, committee members; Paul Hagman, co-chair; and Linda Kostka, development and marketing director of Mill Creek MetroParks.

YOUNGSTOWN

Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park will stimulate the senses to evoke a summer evening on the prairie as guests celebrate the natural elements of land, plants, air, water and fire at Prairie Nights, the park’s 20th annual summer Garden Party.

This fundraising dinner event will take place July 29. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for guests to enjoy an evening with friends in the garden.

This year’s Garden Party takes its inspiration from the exhibit “The Bison: American Icon.” This traveling exhibit from the Mid-America Arts Alliance is made possible through NEH on the Road, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Ohio Humanities Council.

“Bison” focuses on the importance of this American icon in both American Indian and non-native populations, not only in the West but also in Ohio history. The exhibit will be viewed as guests enter the gardens that evening.

After feasting on themed hors d’oeuvres, an “off the range” barbecue will be served.

The band Redline will play in the gazebo.

The evening will conclude with the release of “sky wish” lanterns into the wind.

The lanterns can be sponsored to commemorate a special occasion, remember a loved one or honor an extraordinary person.

Garden Party is sponsored by PNC Foundation and underwritten by Fred Martin Ford and Mercedes Benz, and Murphy Contracting Co.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 330-740-7116.