TOP STORY OF THE DAY - Kickoff to summer: The Boys Are Back In Town Again

File Photo from 2023.

A family-friendly event is returning to Forest Park on Saturday, May 18th.

The organizers of the second annual “A Kickoff to Summer” event hope it becomes “the place to be to welcome summer.”

“We hope we have something for everyone,” said Kevin Stallcop, who organized the first event for his wife’s 50th birthday celebration and invited the community. “This year, the event is a little different. (I think she is over her birthday now.)”

According to Stallcop, last year’s event was busy throughout the day, with some food trucks running out of food less than an hour into the event. Many cars showed up for the guys to wander around, and various vendors for the ladies to peruse. The kid zone was busy, and lots of people came for the concert, almost filling the band shell seating area.

Stallcop, working with his family and community members, said to imagine even more stuff at the event this year.

“Last year was a great learning experience,” said Stallcop. There was a lot of stuff I didn’t know about creating this type of event. But we looked at what went wrong and are focusing on making it better. When things were right, we also looked at how to make it better. I hope people return this year because we hope to keep growing bigger and better each year.”

SOME NEW EVENTS FOR THIS YEAR INCLUDE;

They work with local service organizations so residents can get information on various available programs through these services.

Happy Tails Animal Rescue is providing a pet adoption event.

A blood drive will be available this year during the event.

Pony rides will be available this year.

RETURNING EVENTS

More than 100 vendors.

Car Show

Kids Fun Zone

RETURNING BANDS

Free concerts will return, starting at 6:30 p.m., with Richie Scholl opening for 7 Bridges—The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band.

Sarah Conley, Stallcop’s daughter, is working with Justin Campbell to map out the park and fill the space.

Once completed, Sarah asked permission to have arrow signs made for use to help residents find whatever event was going on.

“We don’t want residents coming to the park and not being able to find an event,” said Sarah, who said a lot of preparations are still being worked on. “This is exciting.”

“A Kickoff To Summer” will occur at Forest Park on Saturday, May 18th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.