More than 500 people flocked to Steel Lake Park on Wednesday for the first free summer concert of the year.
“It’s a great crowd for our first one of the year,” said Tarra Reardon, Federal Way cultural events and arts coordinator.
Rearden said it was the biggest crowd she had seen at a Summer Sounds at the Beach concert since she began working for the city three years ago. A large portion of the crowd were children, who danced to the music and played on the playground equipment.
“It’s nice to be out here and see all the people,” said Jean Junkert, of Federal Way.
Junkert and her husband, Milbert, said they have been coming to the summer concerts for five years.
“It’s nice to be in the park,” Milbert said, adding that the couple enjoys hearing the music for free.
The 2008 Summer Sounds at the Beach will continue each Wednesday evening throughout the summer at Steel Lake Park with live bands from around the Puget Sound.
The City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation and Cultural Service Department, which hosts the events, encourages people to bring picnics, lawn chairs and blankets to the park.
This year’s concerts are sponsored by the Federal Way Arts Commission, 4 culture, Lorri A. Nichols and Jolene Gagnon of the Northwest Chiropractic Center, Columbia Bank and Eagle Tire and Automotive.
Free concerts are from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Wednesday until August 22 at Steel Lake Park. In the event of poor weather, concerts will be relocated to the Federal Way Community Center. To confirm the location, call (253) 835-6900.
Upcoming concerts:
July 23, Wooden O Theatre Company, Shakespearean play performers
July 30, The Islanders, a tropical sounds band
August 6, 2nd Edition, a children’s band
August 13, Dynamilk, an original pop band
August 20, Petty Thief, a Tom Petty tribute band.
The City of Federal Way will also host a summer outdoor cinema series through the summer at Steel Lake Park. In the event of inclement weather, call (253) 835-6905.
Upcoming movies:
August 1, Alvin and the Chipmunks, 9:25 p.m.
August 15, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, 8:55 p.m.
August 29, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, 8:30 p.m.
Contact Margo Hoffman: mhoffman@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.
