It’s time to start Summer Music Series

Another winter has passed and Fountain Park is green, clean and ready for another summer of concerts and fun.  The City Parks & Recreation Department has been busily preparing the grounds for this Friday’s Phil Dirt & the Dozers concert.

This summer, you will notice a few changes in the park.  Some of the trees had to be removed because of the ash bore disease.  You will also notice new lights throughout the park.  Van Wert Rotary Club is partially responsible for the new light posts and lights.  Attached to the posts will be new banners depicting the Fountain Park Summer Music Series, The Van Wert County Foundation, Rotary, Peony/ArtRageous Festivals, and the Parks & Recreation Department.  Beautiful hanging baskets are throughout the park, compliments once again from our very good friends, the Evergreen Garden Club.  They have also placed potted flowers on the corners of the stage and at various locations throughout the park.  Thanks for the beautiful flowers, Evergreen ladies!

Now, the music!  This week is a big weekend for Van Wert.  The Peony and ArtRageous Festivals get things started all day Friday.  Food vendors, art shows and exhibits, a car show and numerous other activities will be going on as we prepare for the 7 p.m. concert with one of the most fun bands in the country, Phil Dirt & the Dozers.  Their concert will feature some good old Rock ‘n Roll from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, as well as a big helping of summer fun with Beach Boys music.

Don’t ever try to guess the weather, but … I am predicting partly sunny and high 70s on Friday.  Probably my first mistake of the summer!  If by some 10 percent chance I am wrong, the concert moves into the Niswonger PAC.

Speaking of the Niswonger, let me remind you that the announcement of the new season at the NPAC will be held Wednesday, June 12, at noon.  Media from throughout the region will be covering this event and you are invited too!  All you need to do is call the box office at 419.238.NPAC (6722) and tell them you are coming.  We have lunch for you free of charge.  The unveiling of what I think will be the best season ever will be revealed along with information on ticket release dates.  The PAC will be freshened up and awaiting your arrival for this exciting news.  We get started at noon.

With summer comes a new box office schedule at the Niswonger.  It is now open Tuesday- Friday noon-4 p.m.  I predict it will be a happening place in the next couple weeks.  Continue to check out our web site www.npacvw.org for upcoming events and news as well as the Fountain Park Summer Music Series.  Of course, the summer music concerts are brought to you by The Van Wert County Foundation in cooperation with the Van Wert Parks & Recreation Department.  You can find valuable information about the concerts on their web sites: www.vanwertcountyfoundation.com and http://vanwertparksrecreation.weebly.com/summer-music-series.html.

I look forward to seeing you in Fountain Park this Friday night as we get things started with all kinds of fun, food, friendly fellowship, and music.

FINÉ.