The Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation is gearing up for its annual arts event and the excitement is building.

The Arts Festival is set for Oct. 11-12 at Hafen Park.

Artisans from four states will join local artists and crafters displaying a variety of arts and crafts available for viewing and purchase.

The food court will again be the ‘Taste of Mesquite,’ this time highlighting local organizations with culinary talents.

The Mesquite Toes Tap Team will be operating a “Dogs & More” snack stand and the Elks of Mesquite will be preparing an array of grilled eats including burgers, ribs and chicken.

The Eureka Casino Hotel is hosting the beverage garden.

Event sponsor Miller-Lite and Sam Adams will be available on tap and a variety of red and white wines will be served by the glass

This year’s stage presentations will be an eclectic mix of entertainment including cello and violin, viola, harp and keyboards as well as vocals.

Also included in the presentations will be cultural entertainment showcasing Samoan and Native American dance.

Art and craft demonstrations will be interspersed with the entertainment schedule.

Virgin Valley Family Services will again be hosting a “Sidewalk Chalk Art” contest.

Past year’s contestants have ranged in age from 5 to over 80 years young.

A new addition to the Festival of the ARTS this year is the We Care For Animals “Arf in the Park” pet sitting services.

Pets may be temporarily placed with the service allowing the pet’s caretaker the freedom to enjoy the Festival without pet concerns.

Festival attendees will judge a “Kindness to Animals” drawing contest.

Entry forms are available at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery.

Festival patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the free parking and shuttle services to and from the Festival site.

The Eureka Casino Hotel has made its lower parking lot on Pioneer Avenue available and the Mesquite Bus Company will be operating continual round trip bus service.

In addition to the arts, crafts, food, beverages, and entertainment, this year’s event incorporates participation from an array of community partners.

Golf Mesquite will introduce the “2009 Mesquite Golf Pass.”

The Mesquite Area Chamber of Commerce will be talking Pow-Wow as it continues getting ready for its January event.

Mesquite Builders & Contractors Association will be distributing information on the “Tour of Homes” later in October.

Mesa View Regional Hospital will be showcasing both Healthy Woman” programs and the “Veterans Health Fair.”

The Mesquite Resort Association will be staffing a booth highlighting their involvement with the local community.

UNLV has added “Autumn Arts and Music in Mesquite” to its fall course offerings.

The class participants will disembark their bus at Hafen Park to enjoy the afternoon of Arts in Motion, the 2008 Greater Mesquite Festival of the ARTS, before continuing to the Eureka Casino Hotel and then to a UNLV Community Band concert at VVHS.

GMAF is delighted to again have the support of the City of Mesquite as they continue to build our Greater Mesquite Festival of the ARTS.

The sponsors, Miller-Lite and the Eureka Casino Hotel, have been exceptionally supportive and are greatly appreciated.

The community volunteers continue to be the life-blood of the event.

Over 200 local residents assist with the planning and production of the event.

As with any annual event, the planning for each year’s festivities begins even before the previous years event is completed.

Participants and attendees submit evaluations for review that help with improving the next year’s event by giving constructive feed back.

For more information, contact the Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation at 702-346-1232, or visit their website at www.GMAF.net.