The ninth annual Art on the Prairie was held Saturday and Sunday throughout downtown Perry, and everyone involved with it felt it was a big success.

Organizer Jenny Eklund said there were thousands of guests and over 100 exhibitors at 10 locations this year, giving it the largest turnout in the event’s history. Eklund added, in addition to the success of the event itself, the impact Art on the Prairie made over the weekend was felt everywhere in Perry. “I feel like it was a huge success. And I’m looking at that from two different ways. One, the artists are all bragging about their sales, they are very pleased with their sales. But not only that, the retailers, they’re all talking about their business. And all the restaurants, everybody is just so excited about the amount of business that they experienced, and how this is the weekend to really enjoy your sales. And so economically for Perry, I’m thrilled, the hotel is thrilled, our guests are buying what they need for the holidays. We’re rocking it!”

Additionally, there was a special event Saturday night, as the community turned out for the dedication of the the fourth and final Streetscape sculpture along Willis Avenue. The art was created by sculptors Jim and Matt Russell with Perry’s agricultural past in mind, and is called “Furrowed Fields.” Raccoon Valley Radio Program Director Chris Cohea emceed the event, which also included speakers Debra Lucht with Perry Economic Development, Rob Denson with Des Moines Area Community College, and the Russells. The Big Red Radio was also in attendance for Saturday of Art on the Prairie, as we broadcasted live, played music, and provided public address services.