No ‘Rock the Park’ this summer in Albion
Organizers cancel due to Covid-19, look forward to big bash in 2021
Photos by Tom Rivers: The band 7th Heaven capped a day of music at Bullard Park on Aug. 3, 2019 during the Albion Summer Festival featuring Rock the Park. The sixth annual event attracted about 1,000 people to the park. Michael Giarrizzo, left, plays guitar and sings for the band, while Terry K. is the lead singer and Dave Quick is the bass player from Kendall.
ALBION – Another big community celebration has been cancelled. Organizers of the Albion Summer Festival featuring Rock the Park announced the seventh annual music event played for Aug. 3 won’t happen this year.
Concerns for public health due to the Covid-19 pandemic prompted organizers to cancel the festival.
Zack Burgess, one of the organizers, posted on Facebook that it was a difficult decision. The Planning Committee had was anticipated the best music festival yet, with a new performance stage at the park and the a well-known regional band, Nerds Gone Wild. That band plays many popular party songs from the 80’s.
“The health and safety of our attendees is our number one priority, and we cannot consciously put you all at risk,” Burgess said. “Thank you for your support through our first six years, and the would-be support for the seventh. We would not be able to do this if it were not for all of you. We hope you understand that this was not an easy decision to make.”
The sixth annual event attracted about 1,000 people to the performance tent last Aug. 3, where five bands performed from 3 to 11 p.m. The event also includes craft and food vendors.
The committee presented a check for $5,000 to the village last year to go towards the new amphitheater with $2,000 for electric work, and $3,000 for side slats that can be rolled up.
Burgess said the committee appreciates the support from the village in putting on the festival.
“We look forward to continuing to work with you next year,” Burgess said. “Stay safe, all. We hope to see you in 2021.”
7th Heaven plays to a big crowd under a tent at Bullard Park last summer. The band delighted the crowd with music by AC/DC, Billy Idol, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Don Henley and others. Five bands played under the big beer tent from 3 to 11 p.m., including Shotgun Pauly, The Trellis Cooper Band, Zero, The Who Dats and then 7th Heaven.
