Despite an unusually cool night in June, Freedom Park in Scotia had a hot start to what promises to be a summer full of entertainment. Saturday, June 23, night marked the official start to the park’s summer lineup of entertainment, which will include bands, fireworks and water-skiing shows.
The popular two-person band Sirsy performed Saturday and put on a show that demonstrated the park’s appreciation for local talent. Sirsy is a pop alternative band made up of lead singer Melanie Krahmer and guitarist Rich Libutti. They have performed with Maroon Five and Blues Traveler.
The band was amazing. It set a great vibe for the park, said Scotia resident Lindsay Coons. `Freedom Park is a great source of entertainment during the summer for a lot of people.`
Other scheduled musical performances include Sean Patrick McGraw, Matt Mirabile and Alison Jacobs, Boys of Wexford, Allan Payette Band, The Refrigerators, Doc Spring’s Rehabilitated Dixieland Band, Scotia-Glenville Community Band, Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra, and the Lustre Kinds.
Park board member Bill Pytlovany said the U.S. Water-ski Team will be performing throughout the summer. The team will also host the Eastern Regional Tournament this year from July 28 to 29. They will also perform during the Independence Day celebration and CanalFest.
`You can read what they are all about by visiting our fun page at visitscotia.com,` said Pytlovany.
Freedom Park was initially built for the Bicentennial Barge in 1976. After that summer, former mayor Dennis Madden decided it would a great place to host summer events on a regular basis. There are events every Wednesday and Saturday nights that attract people from all over the Capital District.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Jim Marx said the park is in great shape this year.
`We seem to have the number of geese at an acceptable level, and the park looks good. The beach is even open for swimming,` said Marx.
The Independence Day fireworks show, sponsored by Jumpin’ Jacks, will be held on Friday, June 30. Last year, the show was rescheduled after the Mohawk River suffered from rising waters and flooding. For information about Independence Day events as well as the entire summer entertainment lineup, go to www.freedomparkscotia.org or www.visitscotia.org.“
