Another summer concert series was in the books for the Fonthill Bandshell Committee as Robin Banks sang the last song for 2014.
With a wide variety of music, the concert series has risen in popularity since its launch almost a decade ago.
A packed Peace Park became normal as weather cooperated each week.
“We thank the audiences for coming down to watch,” Fonthill Bandshell Committee chair Gayle Baltjes-Chataway said.
“You may not know it, but you are a very special audience not only in our eyes, but in the eyes of each musician. We so often hear at the end of the night how nice it is to come to this park and perform for you.”
From Beatles impersonators, to the talented Michael Kaeshammer, the acts continue to get bigger and better.
Baltjes-Chataway says it’s thanks to the kind residents who donate towards the free concert series.
“We are very proud of (those who bought the bandshell wristbands) and contributed by donations each week. This year we’ve actually broken even,” she said.
“With what we anticipate tonight, we’ll be ahead in funding for the first year in a while, so thank you to everyone who helped out.”
While donations are key to their survival, local businesses have stepped in with put sponsorship money.
While their name may be on the programs and announced during the series, their impact has provided a local activity that thousands enjoy over the summer.
It includes the Town of Pelham, who has waived park fees for the bandshell and are expected to renovate the bandshell grounds and Peace Park to make the performances even better to attend.
“We look forward to the upgrades of the park so we will have more level viewing area for our 10th anniversary.”
Baltjes-Chataway says the overall experience has been a community effort. From the volunteers who spend every Thursday in downtown Fonthill, to the local residents who chips in toonies each week, it’s all made possible from a community working together.
“One of the reasons we are so fortunate to get these talented musicians is that the word is out and it’s thanks to everyone involved with making this so special.”
The 2015 Fonthill Bandshell season starts on June 18.
