Music in the park summer festival Bon Accord

By Myrina Carter

Throughout the summer of 2022, the Town of Bon Accord and the Two Bad Apples teamed up to host a summer music festival. They hosted Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Centennial Park at 49 Avenue and 50 Street in Bon Accord, AB. Centennial Park has been the perfect venue for the music festival, having a large stage and the space for the community to gather and enjoy a fantastic show from musically talented bands from all over the province. People enjoyed the cultural experience while their children ran around and danced to the music. The library fundraised by selling chips, freezies and popcorn to attendees.

Danielle with Two Bad Apples stated, “When people regularly get together with others in the community, whether they are good friends or not, it builds relationships. The festival gives people, young and old, pride in their town. It’s fun for everyone to meet their neighbours and reconnect with them after they haven’t seen people throughout the winter. We are trying to keep live music alive and well. People who might not get out to an 18-plus venue or enjoy going to those venues then get a chance to find comfort in some awesome entertainment each week!”

Attendees through the summer were able to jam out and sing along to all sorts of genres of music like; alt-country/folk, rock, blues, gypsy jazz, party rock, 50’s/rockabilly and a variety of others. The organizers, Two Bad Apples, also play in the festival, playing the first and final show of the series. Other bands signed up from surrounding communities, Edmonton and some came from as far as Red Deer. The bands were Tim Isberg, Yikes!, Angie and the Inkleins, Felt Hat String Band, Danny Cole, Bob Kitt Jazz Trio, Stuck on Eleven and The Dice Cubes.

Lila Quinn, Recreation and Community Services manager, stated, “This is our seventh consecutive year that the Bon Accord Community Services has partnered with local musicians and musical talent for music in the park. It is one of the fastest-growing events the Town of Bon Accord offers; subsequently, it is one of the highest town events. This event is free to all, and we will continue with this event provided we have the communities support, funds, and resources to do so. This year, a big thank you is sent out to our generous sponsors: Ace Energy, Bon Accord Pharmacy, McEwen’s Fuels and Fertilizer, North Parkland Power, Gibbons DQ, Gibbons Petro-Canada and Pembina Pipeline Corporation.”