Jackson City Park 'Rockin' in June and July

I am excited about several major events that will bring exceptional music and entertainers to Jackson City Park in June and July this year.

On Saturday, June 11, the second annual Rockin' the Park will be held. The event is sponsored by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. This year the band will be SUPERJAM, a '70s/'80s band from St. Louis. The lead singer is Jackson's own Dave Farver, Class of 1983.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. and music will be from 6 to 10 p.m. The event will be at the Nicklaus Leist band shell in the city park.

This will be a great opportunity for families to come out and enjoy a community-wide event in our beautiful park and also help the chamber raise funds for its important work of representing the businesses of Jackson.

There will be food vendors, and adult and regular beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Please refrain from bringing coolers. They will not be admitted into the event. The chamber is sponsoring a '70s/'80s best-dressed contest, so be inspired and dress in your best fashions from the past.

There will be a Cruisin' Car Show as well as a stunt show to kick off the event.

Tickets for entry into the event are $10 each; ages 10 and younger are free. For more information, call 243-8131 or visit the Rockin' the Park Facebook page. This will be a great event again this year offering music, food and fun in Jackson City Park.

Secondly, the Rock In the Rock Garden will take place Friday nights beginning this week through July 1. The event is sponsored by Cape Air this year and takes place at the Rock Garden in the upper park. This year's lineup includes local artists as well as entertainers from Nashville, Tennessee. The artists this year are Mark Rees, June 3; Doug Rees, June 10; Corinne Chapman, June 17; Eli Cook, June 24; and Scott Holt, July 1. Bring your lawn chairs, refreshments and snacks while enjoying Friday evening in the park. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

But that is not all -- the Jackson Municipal Band Summer 2016 Concert Series begins Thursday. Performances with special musical guests will begin at 7 p.m. every Thursday at the Nicklaus Leist Memorial Band Shell. Shows will run through August 4. A special July 4 show will feature the Southern Brothers. The Jackson Muny Band has entertained Jackson-area citizens since 1920 and is a real gem of our city.

Finally, mark your calendars for Jackson's July 4 Independence Day Celebration. In addition to the Jackson Municipal Band and fireworks at the end of the night, the day will be full of events. Activities will include a huge car show, 5k race, mud volleyball tournament, helicopter rides, food and beverage stands, pony and train rides, the Little Mr. and Mrs. Firecracker Pageant, rubber duck races and a golf ball drop.

The Jackson City Park will be "rockin'" this summer. I would like to extend a special invitation to all those in the Southeast Missouri area to come out and enjoy our Jackson City Park this summer and attend one of our special events.

Dwain Hahs is mayor of Jackson.