Parkfest Family Fun

In what has become tradition now in the 30th year of Greencastle Parkfest, not only does the season kickoff feature singer-songwriter Mike Van Rensselaer (above), but is also family night, with a bounce house and and other kid-friendly fun. Part of this involves Van Rensselaer calling “kids of all ages” to the front of the Robe-Ann Park bandshell so that he and his bandmates can recount the tale of a monster, a boy with a ukulele and his father, a practical-joking magician, in the Pete Seeger story song “Abiyoyo.”

Joining traditional opening-night performer Mike Van Rensselaer (with banjo) are bandmates (from left) Bill Lorton as the father, Rick Smock as the boy and Cliff Gammon as “Abiyoyo,” for the Pete Seeger story son of the same name.

Following the performance by Van Rensselaer and friends, Tad Robinson belts out his patented soul-blues for the Parkfest crowd. In addition to the festivities, the crowds at the park also enjoyed perfect weather for the evening. Sponsored by the Greencastle Civic League, Parkfest is now in its 30th year of bringing free summer concerts to Robe-Ann Park. The music continues on Tuesday, June 13 with Chris Wurster and The Hauskatz, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Parkfest takes place at the Robe-Ann Park bandshell each Tuesday in June and July, except July 4. Other performers this summer include June 20: Gus Moon, Peace Among the Plants; June 27: Conner Barcus, Black Market Vinyl; July 11: Justin Monts, Perpetual Journey; July 18: Him&Her, Danny Martin and the Danocasters; and July 25 (family night): Blue Flame and Bluebird Collective.