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"But that takes time," said the president of the Lapeer Sunrise Kiwanis Club.

But Wnuk is hopeful this year's third installment of Lapeer's ever growing art show will be bigger than ever. This year's festival will take place June 7-8 throughout downtown Lapeer. The big focus is placed on area artists in the different fields of painting, pottery, drawing, and more.

But there's more to the festivities than just vendors selling their wares. Mary Sue Weber, chairperson for the event, wants to make this event similar to the Renaissance Festival that takes place in Holly each summer.

"We have quite a few things," she said. "We're trying to expand on the inspiring creative minds theme, especially for the children. We want to try and get more student in the students activities area, and work up some more workshops and presentations, demonstrations by the artists, and trying to get more entertainers on the streets that will interact with people as they're walking through the festival."

A video workshop is also be incorporated this year, where older teens can sign up to film the festival. After they're edited at the Lapeer County Education and Technology Center, films will be presented at the historic courthouse.

"We are quite a ways away," Wnuk said. "We have an arts festival committee that meets every other week on Thursdays. The artists are actually getting signed in. We're hopeful for about 50."

The east and west end of the downtown area, along with a stage at its center point, will be the home for a variety of musical entertainment. On tap to perform June 8 are Traverse City-based group The Alderman Ensemble. Rhythmic Adventures organizers Marc and Dede Alderman will explain and perform Irish folk music, West African drumming, South Indian classical music, American jazz classics, as well as dynamic original compositions. A wide array of instruments to be performed with include a drum set, vibraphone, voice, kalimba, and hand drums from diverse cultures.

"We would not turn anyone down," Wnuk said about musicians wishing to play during the festival. "We have enough space."

Last year, more than 1,500 people attended the event. Mainly through selling sponsorships, Lapeer Sunrise Kiwanis uses this event to raise money for youth programs like the Knapsack Program in area schools and for Goodwill during Christmas.

"Our club represents youth," Wnuk said. "Money goes into the youth of the community."

"We're hoping to keep expanding more each year," Weber added. "We have a major emphasis on creating more activity areas for the children. Our big focus is for the children."

Artists interested in registering for Lapeer Celebrates the Arts can visit the Web at www.sunrisekiwanis.com.

Jeff Hoard can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8127 or jeff.hoard@lapeergroup.com