There is no magic behind the organization of this year’s Picnic in the Park series of concerts each Monday in Millennium Park.
“I wanted to be able to sit and watch music being played,” said organizer Kaitlin Viers. “I went out and talked to local businesses and groups to pay for the park rental and then found musicians.”
She also co-ordinates music for the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market and some individuals and groups have agreed to play at the Monday night events, as well.
Viers organized similar concerts a few years ago, but this year’s Picnic in the Park series has really taken off.
“We were getting 50-80 people a night during July and it’s gone really well,” Viers said.
Musicians play for, well, a song. Some are paid nominal fees but most play on the promise of food from the two food trucks on-site — Purple People Feeder and the Fork.
“Or sometimes we cook a meal for a larger group,” she said.
With a group of friends, Viers hopes to form a non-profit society to help sustain concerts in the future. She credits support from Home Hardware Building Centre, Snopek Auction Services, Kingfisher Used Books, the Creston Valley Fall Fair Association, the farmers’ market and the Town of Creston, and said all the musicians deserve a hand for their fine performances.
Four concerts round out the summer series. Gerhard and the Missing Links play classic rock Aug. 4, a guitar evening featuring Emma Boutet, Peter Bodley and Joanne Drummond will be held Aug. 11, popular locals Peanut Butter and Jam take to the stage Aug. 18 and the heavy metal group Beardo performs Aug. 25.
“They promise to keep the volume down!” she said about Beardo.
Follow “Picnic on the Park — Creston BC” on Facebook for schedule updates and photos and videos of concerts.
“And remember,” Viers said. “It’s 100 per cent free! But tips for musicians are encouraged!”