The recent Arts in Rees Park event at the historic park near our center was an occasion for celebration. The beautiful Saturday weather drew local and out-of-town visitors, who browsed exhibits by area artists.

Staff and peers from the center were on hand to welcome visitors on over to the center, as the entrance is only a few steps away from Rees Park. Our intrepid peer member Rhonda Hubbard was our official greeter, a role she has often managed well when visitors stop by the center. While her favorite visitor is probably former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, she was pleased to note the arrival of our local sheriff at Saturday's event.

"I have greeted Sheriff Smith on several occasions," Rhonda said proudly. "He was eager to visit Happy Patch, and he made some good buys!"

Other visitors also shopped at the market, which was brimming over with colorful, locally grown spring flowers and produce. Some of the visitors came via Sam's Short Line, a local tourist railroad. They now make regular stops at the market.

"We appreciate their stops here, which increase awareness of Perry Wellness Center and our Happy Patch Market," founder Stuart Perry noted. "Sam's Short Line is really community-minded."
"Community-minded" seemed to be the word of the day, as hundreds of people from the community turned out in a celebration of spring and the arts in Americus' beautiful historic district.

In the photo above, Rhonda Hubbard and Stuart Perry greet Sumter County Sheriff Pete Smith at the center's Elm Street entrance.