Ever since the tornado of April 2000 forced the relocation of the summer band concerts from the Parsons Plaza Gazebo to Forest Park, the series has been known as "Music in the Park," but for this year, the concerts will be held on the north lawn of the Municipal Building and will be renamed the "2007 Music on the Lawn" series.

City crews will construct a stage on the lawn of the Municipal Building behind the War World I statue at the corner 17^th and Main. Bleacher seating will be provided and spectators are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a relaxing evening of music to be provided by a variety of entertainers.

The "Music on the Lawn" concerts will be held each Thursday starting on May 31 and concluding on July 26, with the exception of the July 4, Community Band performance that will take place outside Marvel Park Stadium. Each week, a different community organization will provide food and drink items as a fund-raising project. The activities start at 6:45 p.m., and the concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

Facilities Director for the City of Parsons, Matthew Hoisington, explained the rationale for moving the concerts. "With all the different construction projects scheduled to begin in and around Forest Park, it was felt the series' current location would not be ideal." "Cancelling this year's series was not an option, so the obvious solution was to bring the concerts back to the centrally-located downtown area." Next year the series will return to Forest Park and it's new home.

On performance nights the Municipal Building will be opened to allow individuals access to restrooms and water fountains. In case of inclement weather the concerts will be held inside the Municipal Auditorium with the exception of the July 4 performance which will be cancelled. For further information you may call (620) 421-7032, or log onto the city's website at www.parsonsks.com.

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