SANDWICH – On June 6, a ribbon-cutting at the newly renovated Veterans Park Gazebo was the kickoff to the new Sounds of Sandwich free summer concert series.
Sounds of Sandwich, starting at 5 p.m. Wednesdays, June through August, is co-sponsored by the Sandwich Park District and Rebecca Johnson Music Co. Each week will feature a different performer or band, with a variety of music, including country, bluegrass, folk and pop.
Over the past month, the Sandwich Park District spent about $20,000 to renovate the gazebo, painting it white, changing its rails and adding a handicap railing. The gazebo was first dedicated by the park district on May 31, 1952.
“The old rails were rusted and unsafe, and we knew something needed to be done to fix the gazebo,” Park District Executive Director Michael McCann said. “The gazebo is a centerpiece to the community and downtown. It’s even featured on the park district’s logo.”
Rebecca Johnson of Rebecca Johnson Music Co. said the free concert series is a great way to bring people to downtown Sandwich. Johnson also helps run the Kid Zone area, offering free face painting, games and activities for children.
“People can hang out while listening to music, have a picnic or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants in town,” Johnson said.
McCann said he plans to make Sounds of Summer a new Sandwich tradition.
“It’s great that different organizations and groups of people are collaborating on the weekly music event,” McCann said. “We hope to build on the event and always attract more people. The concert series is just one way we’re trying to make Sandwich better, make it the best it can be.”
For information about Sounds of Sandwich, call the Sandwich Park District at 815-786-8044. For a list of each week’s performers, visit www.rjmusico.com/shows.