Everybody's Day highlights Pen Mar's Summer Concert Series

August 28, 2003|by ANDREA ROWLAND

There's something for everyone during Everybody's Day at Pen Mar Park in Cascade.

The scenic park in the northeast corner of Washington County will be filled with big band-era ballroom music, children's activities and classic cars during the annual celebration from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. The free event is a highlight of the park's summer concert series, which runs rain or shine from 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 5.

Once a mountaintop resort and amusement park, Pen Mar Park closed after World War II when many families began traveling to oceanfront resorts. The county's Recreation and Parks Department, which reopened the park in 1977, has since partnered with the American Federation of Musicians Local 770 to sponsor the free summer concert series.

Everybody's Day usually attracts about 5,000 visitors, says concert series organizer Jim Powers, the federation's executive secretary.

Powers booked the popular 18-piece For Dancers Only Orchestra from Winchester, Va., to entertain guests at this year's event from 2 to 5 p.m.

"They are one of our most requested big bands," he says.

A jitterbug contest will start at 2:30 p.m., with a waltz contest to follow at 4 p.m. Plaques will be awarded to winners.

The celebration also will feature a vintage car show, miniature carousel display and wood carvings, says David Brooks, facilities and special events coordinator for the Washington County Recreation and Parks Department.

Children can enjoy a Moon Bounce and inflatable sliding board, magician, balloon sculptor, puppet show, sack race and a clown who will toss out candy and peanuts for kids to scramble after. The candy scramble is an activity that was popular in Pen Mar's early days as an amusement park, Brooks says.

The park's concession stand will be open, and visitors are invited to bring picnic lunches.

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