Pano-FAQs
Why the name, “Panoply”...?
The word “PANOPLY” means “wonderful array” and it is The Arts Council’s (TAC’s) mission to provide cultural events that the local community might not otherwise experience!
When is the Panoply Arts Festival?
It is held annually, the last full weekend of each April. The next festival will be held Friday-Sunday, April 23-25, 2010.
Where is the Panoply Arts Festival held?
This arts extravaganza is held in downtown Huntsville, Alabama’s lovely Big Spring International Park. Certain events, both during and “pre-Panoply,” may be held in other venues as announced, such as the Von Braun Center. These include auditions, certain competitions, and various preliminary rounds. Watch your local media and TAC’s website for updates!
How much does the Panoply Arts Festival cost?
All children 12 and under are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult. Buy a PANOPASS at any entrance gate. Purchase a weekend PANOPASS for $10 and a day PANOPASS for $5.
NEW the year—Friday, April 23 will be our “Active Military Night.” Active military with current ID and their families will be admitted into the park for the opening night’s festivities at no charge.
Weekend PANOPASSES are available until the opening Friday of the Panoply Arts Festival. You may pay by cash, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), or make your check to The Arts Council, Inc. The PANOPASS is sponsored by Colonial Graphics Group. Weekend Panopasses may be purchased at the following locations:
Al Christopher, Inc.
Anglin • Reichmann • Snellgrove & Armstrong, P.C.
CDPA Certified Public Accountants
DirtBusters Fire and Water Restoration
Lewter Hardware Co.
EarlyWorks Children’s History Museum
Off Campus College Bookstores (UA Huntsville, AAMU, Athens State)
Progress Bank
Regions Bank (Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Limestone Co., Scottsboro, Albertville, Priceville, Moulton, Hartselle, Arab)
Samples Properties, Inc.
Servis1st Bank
Star Supermarket and Discount Pharmacy—Five Points
The Arts Council, Inc.
Van Valkenburg and Wilkinson Properties, Inc.
Does the Panoply Arts Festival need volunteers?
YES! TAC is always in need of volunteers for Gateways, the Kid’s Art Yard, Pepsi Concessions, Panoply Stores, and so much more. Some 2,000 volunteers—from all walks of life—work on the festival each year. Whether as an individual or as a representative of your church, scout group, organization, club, fraternity, sorority, or company, call (256) 519-2787 (ARTS), ext. 200 or e-mail tac@panoply.org for more information.
It’s the chance for you, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, and your families to give back to your community! We would LOVE to have your help!
How do I get into the festival? Where should I park?
Panoply has four entrance gates. They are found at the following locations: Monroe Street (in front of the VBC Ticketing Office); Church Street (in front of the Summit Building); the intersection of Church and Williams; and at the Holiday Inn entrance off Williams.
Parking for Panoply is available at numerous locations, each one easily accessible. The Huntsville City Garage located across from the VBC may be entered from Monroe Street. Parking is also available at the Colonial Bank building located at the corner of Church Street and Williams Avenue, and may be entered via Fountain Circle. The VBC South Hall Parking Garage, located adjacent to the center, can be entered from Pollard Street. In addition, parking will be available in the new parking lot located next to the VBC North Hall and Lot-K located on Clinton Avenue. Parking for disabled patrons is available in all lots. All city public parking is $4.00 and $5.00.
All of the parking mentioned above is within walking distance of the Panoply Arts Festival in Big Spring International Park. Many other surrounding businesses will be opening their parking lots for Panoply guests, as well.
What type of clothing should I wear; what accessories might I consider bringing?
The springtime weather in Huntsville is variable: typically moderate, it can range from intense sun and heat to cool, overcast with rain. You should plan accordingly by wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Individuals may consider bringing sunglasses, rainwear, sweaters, visors, sunscreen, and the like, as warranted.
What other items should I bring with me?
Panoply’s activities are predominately outdoors, in an open-air environment (with exceptions, as noted above). You may bring blankets, lawn chairs, umbrellas, and other “comfort items” necessary to making your attendance enjoyable. Please remember, however, that you must keep your items in your possession at all times. There are no storage lockers available on the grounds.
Who are Panoply’s major sponsors?
Boeing, AT&T, Publix Supermarket Charities, Buffalo Rock, DRS Test and Energy Management, LLC, The Huntsville Times, the City of Huntsville, CityScapes, the Madison County Commission, and Regions Bank are just a few. The Arts Council, Inc. of Huntsville, AL (www.artshuntsville.org), producer of the Panoply Arts Festival, would like to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support of THE ARTS!
Visit our sponsors’ ad in the Thursday, 22 April issue of GO!, Your Good TIMES Magazine!
For more information, please call
(256) 519-ARTS (2787), ext. 205.
Thank you for your interest in the
Panoply Arts Festival!