Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Parks Department offers summer activities to beat the boredom blues for all ages.
The parks department is holding several concerts throughout the summer as well as summertime activities for children.
Anyone who enjoys the sounds of bluegrass also will enjoy Homespun, performing Friday at Central Park. The concert is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and is open to all ages. No admission will be charged.
Warsaw Parks Activities Director Andy McCleary said most of the members of Homespun "are from the Warsaw area."
The bluegrass band played at Central Park last year, so "this is their second year (at the park)," McCleary said.
McCleary also said there will be a Blues Jam at 6 p.m. in Central Park July 15.
The parks department invites all to "come out for an evening of blues whether you have the summertime blues or not. This event makes for a very relaxing evening. Take a break from the norm to enjoy this event."
McCleary said two blues artists will perform: the Elwood Splinters, from the Elkhart area, and AC Reed, from Chicago.
McCleary said Reed is a "legendary blues saxophonist."
Sponsors for the Blues Jam include NIPSCO and United Water.
Still have the summertime blues? Well, the parks department offers yet more activities. Each day the department features a theme activity for children.
Children's programs through Aug. 7 include Sports Spectrum on Mondays, Terrific Tots on Tuesdays, KidFest on Wednesdays and Wild Discovery on Thursdays.
Monday's Sports Spectrum is for ages 3 to 5 from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and ages 6 to 10 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Kelly Park. The featured activities include stretching, running, catching, kicking, throwing and more. Sports games include soccer, T-ball, basketball and kickball. The object of Sports Spectrum is to teach children basic skills and techniques of sports.
Besides sports, featured activities also include crafts, games and stories. These activities occur on Tuesday's Terrific Tots for ages 1 to 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Nye Youth Cabin in Nye Park. This program provides a place for tots to begin interaction with others and "have fun at the same time."
Fun is what Wednesday's KidFest is all about. The program is for ages 6 to 10 at Center Lake Pavilion. A registration fee of $2 will cover a McDonald's lunch. Non-stop activities include arts and crafts, games, contests, entertainment, library story hour and more.
McCleary said this is the only fee involved in the children's activities.
Thursday's Wild Discovery is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kelly Park. Activities include stories, games and special guest speakers. The object is to learn and interact with nature, and is for children ages 3 to 10.
Children may attend the featured activities at no charge (with Wednesday's $2 exception) at any of the scheduled times from now through Aug. 7.
But children aren't the only ones beating the summertime blues. There's fun for the whole family. A family carnival is scheduled for Aug. 18 and features "Movie Night." Activities include a movie at dusk (bring lawn chairs), clowns, magicians, carnival games, a DJ and more.
But, if all these activities still haven't chased the blues away, McCleary reminds everyone that "the fair is coming up."
Those interested in a little festival fun can visit the Kosciusko County 4-H and Community Fair July 8 through the 16th.
McCleary also said The Wilkinsons will perform at the City of Lakes Country Music Concert July 28.
This father-daughter-son trio from Belleville, Ont., was featured in the Sept. 28, 1998, issue of People magazine as a pick for album of the week.
The trio was also called "one of the country's hottest acts" by The Tennessean Living on Oct. 10, 1998.
The Wilkinsons have several songs on country radio, including their big hit, "26 Cents." Other songs played on the radio include "Here's A Penny For Your Thoughts," "A Quarter For The Call" and "All Of Your Mamma's Love."
Other concerts this summer include Dave Hiliker Jazz trio July 14; Guitar Woodies July 21; Mirror Image, a variety of rock, country and classic rock Aug. 4; North East Indiana Banjo Society Aug. 11; and Lake Area Community Band Aug. 25.
Sponsors for the summer activities include WRSW, the Times-Union and support from Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Don't let the summertime blues get you down. There's activities for all ages at the park to beat the blues.
