Concert, Ice Cream Social on Tap in Montgomery Thursday Night

Get a jumpstart on the holiday weekend by taking in a concert in the park Thursday night.

The Yorkville Big Band, made up of more than 20 musicians, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Fox Valley Park District’s Summer Concerts in the Park Series.

The second of the six concerts planned this summer, the music celebration will be held at the Park District’s Sound Stage at Montgomery Park on the corner of Mill and River streets.

The Thursday night concerts, which take place at two Fox Valley parks, are a collaborative effort involving the Park District, the City of Aurora and the Village of Montgomery.

Jeff Long, public relations manager with the Fox Valley Park District, said the concerts in the park series first began three years ago “when staycations were all the rage.”

“It was just an idea to put local bands on display and bring the community together for free summer fun,” he said. “We thought this might be a good way to bring people out to the parks.”

The initiative has proven to be a success, as many people take advantage of the free entertainment.

“On average we get a few hundred people, depending on the band,” Long said.

An ice cream social, complete with several types of ice creams and toppings, will headline tomorrow night’s event beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Yorkville resident Rick Falato, band director and founder of the Yorkville Big Band, said the group enjoys performing for the community.

“We have been playing concerts in various parks for the Fox Valley Park District for 12 or more years,” he said. “The attendance has always been very good--that's one of the reasons we have been asked back so many times.”

The Yorkville Big Band will help get the community in the mood for Independence Day with a rousing combination of patriotic songs and big band favorites.

Park officials said the concerts help bring more people to the area parks.

“That’s what parks are meant to be in the first place--a community gathering place,” Long said.

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available.

Here’s the lineup of bands for the rest of the summer:

•  August, July 7 at McCullough Park
• Gallery, July 14 at Montgomery Park
• American Legion Band, July 28 at McCullough Park
• Saturday June Band, Aug. 4 at McCullough Park

For more information, call (630) 966-4555 or visit the Park District website at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org