Concerts in the Park kicks off 2018 season July 5

FITZROY HARBOUR – It’s an historic, family friendly concert series located in a beautiful setting that pre-dates amalgamation, and the Concerts in the Park series kicks off this Thursday.

Ward 5 Coun. Eli El-Chantiry will be sponsoring the series for the second year in a row. As a long-time West Carleton resident and concert goer, he couldn’t imagine summer without it.

“I am proudly sponsoring Concerts in the Park for another season at Fitzroy Provincial Park,” he said in a statement on his website.

He spoke to West Carleton Online on the free concert series entering its 24th year.

“It’s an important event,” El-Chantiry said. “You’ll be hard pressed to find another event like this. Everyone has fun, everyone behaves. There’s no alcohol. Community groups get the chance to raise money and spread awareness. I can not let it go.”

Over the years the concert series has raised around $50,000 for CHEO.

The concerts run every Thursday in July from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and feature Sidewinder (July 5), the Heartbeats (July 12), Eddie and the Stingrays (July 19) and Ambush (July 26).

“I’m grateful Cavanaugh Construction donates the stage and the park provides the space for free,” El-Chantiry said of other contributors to the series.

A cash barbecue starts at 6 p.m. courtesy of local youth groups who use the proceeds for their organizations. Donations for CHEO are also collected.

“The venue, the atmosphere, it’s a great event,” El-Chantiry said. “You don’t see any free events around.”

Bring your lawn chair and bring your umbrella, just in case, the event goes rain or shine.