Several hundred people, including children and parents, crowded into the Baker Park Bandshell area Thursday morning, clapping and singing along to Keith Munslow’s interpretations of classic children’s songs and stories.
The event was one of eight held by Celebrate Frederick as part of its Summerfest Family Theatre, which showcases a variety of family-friendly musicians with messages and themes for children.
Jennifer Martin, marketing and events coordinator for Celebrate Frederick, said the events, which kicked off June 23, draw about 500 people, depending on the weather and the type of performer.
“The most popular type of performers are the musical acts,” she said. “The bands in particular really seem to engage the kids and keep their interest for the entire 45-minute show. What we try to do is a variety of entertainment. We do lean a little heavy on the music because it’s so popular with the kids.”
The events, which began in 1991, originally took place on Saturday nights. But Martin said the attendance really took off when they moved the event to Thursday mornings.
“We’ve had a great response [when] we moved the event from Saturday evenings to Thursday mornings,” she said. “We’ve had tremendous public response. We easily tripled our attendance with that move.”
Martin said the events also fill a need in the community, as a fun event to bring children to during the week.
“We find that having a free activity for the community during the week is a great resource for families, moms groups, camp groups, as well as stay-at-home parents looking for things for their kids to do,” she said. “It’s really taken off with the community.”
The event also has a charitable angle, Martin said. This year, the charity roster is expanding to include Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which raises money to fight childhood cancers, according to its website.
“While it’s free, we do encourage attendees to bring a canned food item for the Frederick Food Bank,” she said. “We collect those every concert. We’re [also] partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand. They will be there collecting donations for their charity. People do [bring canned goods] but it could definitely be better. We always try to get the word out about that.”
At least two members of the community love the events. Jess Boehman and Kendall Herz, both of Frederick, attended Thursday’s show with their toddlers, 21-month-old Jonah and 20-month-old Everett.
Boehman praised the event for creating a sense of community. “It’s just great - I can walk here,” she said. “It’s a great thing for Frederick. … It makes you feel like you’re part of the community.”
Herz agreed, and said her son, Everett loves hearing the music.
“We love that it’s free. He loves music,” she said, holding her son Everett. “I have a 6-year-old who I used to bring. We’ve been coming for years. I love it because we always run into people we know…It’s an inexpensive way to hang out with the family and see friends, and he really loves it.”
Summerfest Family Theatre runs 10:30 a.m. every Thursday through Aug. 11. Shows are held in the Baker Park Bandshell, at 121 N. Bentz St. For more information, visit www.celebratefrederick.com.
tlaino@gazette.net
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