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First Posted: 5/31/2013
For those looking for a mid-week release from the stress of everyday life, the Lakeside Wednesday Concerts, a 10-week concert series, will offer free live music, each Wednesday, beginning June 26 from 6 p.m. to dusk at Hillside Park on Winola Road.
“Weekends will start on Wednesdays in the Abingtons,” Abington Area Joint Recreation Board vice chair Diane Vietz said.
According to Vietz, Lake Eston Wilson is a “natural place” for the concerts.
It will feature all local, experienced bands featuring a broad genre of music.
“I’ve been so impressed with the generosity of the bands and area sponsors,” Vietz said. “We hope people will stop by and it will be an annual series.”
Each week will feature a different band and sponsor, as well as diverse food options.
“We expect each week to evolve into it’s own flavor,” Vietz said. “It’s a nice, easy thing in the middle of the week. It’s great for families because they won’t have to worry about cooking a meal. The goal is to help people celebrate summer a little easier.”
AAJRB board member Richard Yarmey, Clarks Summit, also believes the concert series will be a positive for The Abingtons.
“The entire series will provide fun and family-friendly entertainment for parents and children of various ages,” he said. “It a very inexpensive and safe way for families to spend an evening at the park.”
Yarmey also hopes the series will encourgae new people to visit the park.
“Hopefully people will come and appreicate that the park has something for everyone,” he said. “It’s a remarkable facility that we’re (board members) all very proud of. The series provides something that’s not available anywhere in the area.”
There will be a concession stand with food and beverages, as well as an area with a tent, picnic tables and chairs.
Skip Ward, a professional videographer, will tape the bands and festivities, to be seen on ECTV (Electric City Television).
Sharon Burke will coordinate Images of NEPA, featuring different photographers images of local heritage and local environment to be displayed.
According to Vietz, graphic artist Kristy Jamison is providing all illustrations as an in-kind donation.
The largest sponsor is the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. Two major sponsors are Fidelity Bank and Penn Security Bank.
According to Vietz, there is a whole team of people working to make the series possible.
Laurie McCoy will serve as the on-site coordinator, Lori Harris will serve as weekly coordinator and Abington Area Joint Recreation Board park member group chairs are also involved.
According to Vietz, it will be important important to arrive early to ensure a parking space, as many sporting events will be planned on the same days.