About 16,000 people on Sunday crowded Gregory Park for the 34th annual Arts in the Park festival featuring food, crafts and music.

The Best of Show award went to Duluth resident Dan Naf, who created a 2.5 inch, 2-3 pound glass galaxy marble. The piece took him more than three hours to make.

"It was wonderful surprise," Naf said of being named Best of Show. "I was excited to be juried in this art fair because it was juried on one piece of art work instead of full booth, so I specifically made a piece of art I'd never made before."

Naf said he's been making glass beads and glass marbles for about five years and has been part of the festival circuit for about 21/2 years. Examples of his work can be viewed at www.nafglass.com.

Though the temperature eclipsed 80 degrees and the sun was bright, a mild wind and plenty of shade kept most participants cool.

"Things were really, very good," said Nancy Cross, festival chairwoman. "The weather cooperated and we have a great crowd and absolutely phenomenal artists."

There were 140 artists spaces offering arts, crafts, carvings, paintings, juggling, music and even a chance for people to help paint an OxTrot statue.

Cross said demand is high for Arts in the Park and about 50 artists had to be turned down from setting up a booth this year's event.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.

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