It's a party! Thousands in Oakdale Park for Smoky Hill River Festival

<b>The Salina Municipal Band concluded its performance as bubbles arose in front of the Eric Stein Stage. </b>Salina Post photo — **The Salina Municipal Band concluded its performance as bubbles arose in front of the Eric Stein Stage.** Salina Post photo

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post

The epic arts party that is Salina's Smoky Hill River Festival is well underway.

Thousands of people flocked to Oakdale Park Saturday for the second full day of festivities.

<b>Festival veterans flocked to the shade. </b>Salina Post photo — **Festival veterans flocked to the shade.** Salina Post photo

Shade was at a premium as the temperature soared into the 90s. With the humidity-laden air, the heat index was expected to break into triple digits, with the same forecast for Sunday.

READ: Heat advisories issued for most area counties on Sunday

<b>With the temperature soaring, the Mistical Oasis misters were quite popular. </b>Salina Post photo — **With the temperature soaring, the Mistical Oasis misters were quite popular.** Salina Post photo

Nonetheless, festival goers were having a grand time. With a variety of music, food, good friends, and games and activities for the kids, who wouldn't?

<b>A miniature golf game was among the activities for children. </b>Salina Post photo — **A miniature golf game was among the activities for children.** Salina Post photo

If you haven't made it over to the Smoky Hill River Festival yet, you still have time. The gates will be open until 10 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is by festival wristband only. If you don't yet have a wristband, you can purchase one at any gate except the Kenwood Bridge gate, according to the festival website.

<b>The Stryten Energy shuttle was one of two tram shuttles operating between Oakdale Park and the parking lots at Tony's Pizza Events Center.  </b>Salina Post photo — **The Stryten Energy shuttle was one of two tram shuttles operating between Oakdale Park and the parking lots at Tony's Pizza Events Center.** Salina Post photo

Worried about parking? It's simple. Park in one of the two big lots at Tony's Pizza Events Center and ride a shuttle to the park at no charge. Two shuttle trams and a CityGo shuttle bus make up the shuttle system for the festival. The shuttle stops in the parking lots are marked, as is the stop inside Oakdale Park near the Mulberry Bridge entrance and the mini Statue of Liberty.

Following are some additional photos from the Saturday edition of the Smoky Hill River Festival.