More than 6,000 people sat on Memorial Park’s sloped hill at some point this past summer to watch West Kelowna’s nine-week summer concert series, Music in the Park.
Music in the Park more than doubled its attendance from last year’s inaugural season, which brought out approximately 3,000 spectators.
“There’s a good following and it certainly is growing all the time,” said Mayor Doug Findlater.
The program was created to provide art and cultural events that showcase local talent. Each show featured a talented kid, an opening act and a headline performance.
In addition to the concerts, outdoor play equipment and games were provided to entertain children at the event and a food vendor was brought on site.
Ryan Donn, creative director of Creative Okanagan, was hired to produce both Music in the Park and Global Music Fest: A new multi-cultural event featured Aug. 24, which featured a variety of music, games and food from various cultures.
The majority of council members said the program was well worth the $27,539 cost to the district; however, Coun. Carol Zanon had a different opinion.
“I know everybody thinks this is the greatest thing since sliced bread…I’m just not too sure this is the right way we should be spending our money,” said Zanon.
“I want to look at the underbelly of this thing and make sure it’s financially sound.”
Findlater noted the district may need to improve accessibility, parking and seating in the future.
Other potential improvements, suggested by Music in the Park organizers, include better lighting and a basic overhead structure on the existing stage to allow performances to proceed regardless of the weather.
Council will decide whether to continue the Music in the Park program during its 2014 budget deliberations.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
