Concerts in the Park makes quiet debut
By Jake Davies - West Carleton Online
FITZROY HARBOUR – While the rain came down all day last Thursday (July 9), not a drop fell from the sky during the debut of the Fitzroy Provincial Park 2026 Concerts in the Park series.
But it was too late for organizers, as the public had already decided and only a modest crowd in the dozens came out to listen to the talented Front Porth Sitters. Even the mosquitoes stayed away.
The Front Porch Sitters are a five-piece contemporary folk band from the Ottawa Valley.
The band blends tight vocal harmonies with energetic fiddle, rocking guitar and beautiful pedal steel. Some harmonica was also thrown in this night.
Bolstered by backing bass and drums, The Front Porch Sitters repertoire includes covers of many well-known favourites from the folk, country and Canadiana catalogue as well as their own original music.
The pedal steel guitar and fiddle were two instruments not seen at the 29-year-old concert series in many years, and the dozens in attendance enjoyed a great show, great music and a great barbecue hosted by West Carleton Scouts.
The concert series, which is free to attend, raises funds through donations for both West Carleton Disaster Relief (WCDR) and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
“Thank you for having faith and the hope to come out tonight,” WCDR director Judy Makin told the crowd following an energetic show.
Makin said $100 was raised at the gate and “everyone here tonight bought a draw ticket.”
West Carleton Online remarked to Makin and Glyn Storey who were hosting the WCDR booth, they must have been very confident to not bring a tent in case of inclement weather.
Storey remarked that had more to do with hasty packing than confidence in the weatherman.
“We brought a shelter with a screened-in porch,” Storey said. “But we forgot the roof. Next week we will be totally organized.”
The Concerts in the Park series is presented by Waste Management and Coun. Clarke Kelly and is held in Fitzroy Provincial Park (5201 Canon Smith Dr.). Concerts run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with the gate opening at 6 p.m.
A cash-only barbecue is hosted each week by a local community youth group serving hamburgers and refreshments starting at 6 p.m.
Remaining Thursdays will feature Big Newton on July 16, Jamie McMunn and Family Tradition on July 23 and longtime favourites Ambush will host closing night on July 30.
