For many residents, the summer spot to be is Freedom Park just off Interstate 890 in Scotia. It is the jewel of the village and its summer lineup of performances does not let down. This year’s schedule features an eclectic mix of old favorites, as well as some new acts.
Opening day is Saturday, June 21, and will feature a musical performance by the Hamilton Hill Steel Drum Band. This eight-person band consists of young men who perform a mix of hip-hop, funk, jazz and rock.
Other bands schedule to perform over the summer include Ernie Williams, Hair of the Dog, Loose Canon, The Boys of Wexford, The Scotia-Glenville Pipe Band, Rocky Velvet, The Refrigerators, The Audiostars, The Joey Thomas Big Band and Doc Springs Rehabilitated Dixieland Jazz Band.
In addition, this summer, there will be a number of child-friendly performances to coordinate with story time in the park. Family entertainers like The Puppet People and the Flying Zucchini Brothers will accompany stories.
There will also be theater in the park, with a performance of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, by Center Stage Productions.
Park board member Louis Gundrum said the U.S. Water-ski Team would be performing throughout the summer with free shows on Tuesday evenings.
`The music and the action from the ski team alongside Jumpin’ Jacks, makes this a place for families to come and celebrate summer,` said Gundrum.
Freedom Park was initially built for the Bicentennial Barge in 1976. After that summer of events, former mayor Dennis Madden decided it would a great place to host summer events on a regular basis. The park now hosts events every Wednesday and Saturday night.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Jim Marx said the park is in great shape this year.
`The park is in the best condition it has been in years. We anticipate a lot of visitors to the park, and we look forward to a busy, but great summer,` said Marx.
Scotia resident Rene Curtin said last year her family was at the park every chance they had. Curtin and her husband, Jeremy, said the park has the perfect mix of entertainment for their three children Nathan, 6, Emma, 3, and their newest addition Trevor, who is 9 months.
`The park has something for everyone, music for all ages, shows that are crowd pleasers along with a great place to eat,` said Rene Curtin.
Niskayuna resident Jon Goyette said he grew up in Scotia and always visited the park with his family. He said he now makes the trip over from his new neighboring town so that his daughters can experience all the park has to offer.
`My daughter Lauren loved meeting up with her cousins. Listening to music on a nice summer night, watching the water-ski shows. It’s a place to come that is family friendly and affordable,` said Goyette.
For information about this year’s summer lineup, go online to www.freedomparkscotia.org or www.visitscotia.org.“