Beginning Saturday, Sept. 9, the Arts Council of Moore County and the Pinehurst Parks and Recreation Department will present the first of three "Arts in the Park" events at Camelot Playground in Cannon Park, Pinehurst.

The first performance of "Arts in the Park" will feature the high-energy juggling talents of Mark Lippard at 11 a.m. The performance is free and open to the public.

In case of rain, the performance will be in Assembly Hall of the Village Hall (395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst).

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on during the performance.

A full-time professional variety entertainer since 1986, Lippard has toured all across the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Japan and Russia.

His performances over the years include college, NBA and NFL games, and he has been a crowd pleaser at many festivals and corporate events.

And he's no stranger to Moore County, having performed at previous "Arts in the Park" events.

Lippard has also won several awards, the most prestigious being an International Jugglers' Association team championship with the innovative group, Manic Expressions. He has appeared on numerous television stations, both here and abroad, including a guest performance on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Because of his energy and unique style, Lippard is one of the top variety entertainers around, says a spokesman.

In addition to Lippard's performance, free face painting will be provided from 10 to 10:45 a.m., and refreshments will be sold.

The next two "Arts in the Park" will feature the comedy and magic of Fish the Magish on Sept. 16, and "Tangle of Tales" by the Grey Seal Puppets on Sept. 23.

For additional information, call the Pinehurst Parks and Recreation Department at 295-2817, the Arts Council at 692-4356, or visit www.artscouncil-moore.org.