Music is back in Ben Lomond Park.
Many people will remember the Music in the Park series a few years ago. Now the event has been reincarnated as “On the River Summer Concerts in Ben Lomond Village,” — but with a twist.
Presented by the Ben Lomond Business Association and local businesses and merchants, the concert will take place on Saturday, May 16, in the Park from 3 to 6 p.m.
When Zeda Dowell became the president of the BLBA, she wanted to bring back community involvement. So for the last two years her group has sponsored the “National Night Out” event at the park, supporting the sheriff’s department and first responders and getting good response from attendees.
However, when she started brainstorming with local musician Bruce Guynn, they decided they not only wanted to bring the music back, but to make the event a benefit for a nonprofit organization, too. Guynn mentioned he had done a lot of work through the years with the KIA “Killed in Action” Honor Flag Organization.
“We could create a concert where the community could help support fallen soldiers’ families,” he said, “and make a fun event of it.”
The benefit is free, but donations will be happily received. “If you don’t have the money, that’s ok, too. But we want to make the concert, and the support of a non-profit, an annual event so we can really use the donations,” Guynn said.
“I would really like for all our communities, not just Ben Lomond, but Scotts Valley, Felton, and up to Boulder Creek to come and give us feedback,” said Dowell. “Then we’ll do it again if it works out well.”
The Music starts at 3 p.m. with Bruce Guynn & Big Rain, who will perform music from over 50 of the most popular artists since the 1990s, along with their popular music of “Rock Country Rock Soulful Blues” — also on stage will be the “Just Because” vocal group.
Food and refreshment are available, as well as a children’s corner section, raffles, and other surprises. Kids can also write letters to soldiers. At halftime the KIA Honor Flag honors Gold Star Families with a presentation.
“I was really happy that we could do this for the men and women doing hard work in the military while we have a good life at home,” said Dowell. “I thought it would be a great time for people to come out and say, ‘We love you, guys. We’re here and we’re grateful and we honor the family who has lost someone.’ We can hear a name on the news but that name belongs to a dad or mom or son. Let’s get that idea of what it feels like, and how we can help them.”
Castroville Eagle Emblems started the KIA foundation around 10 years ago and they support veterans nationally. Their mission is to sponsor a KIA Honor Flag package for every Gold Star Family of a fallen American hero. Products that sustain their efforts will be available for sale.
After the ceremony, the music will strike up again.
Sponsored by Liberty Bank in Felton, Quality Inn & Suites in Ben Lomond, and Casa Nostra Restaurant in Ben Lomond, the “On the River Summer Concerts in Ben Lomond Village” will be held in the Ben Lomond Park at 925 Mill Road just off of Highway 9.
For more information on KIA, visit www.kiahonorflag.org.
