Join your neighbors on July 18th from 4-8 PM for a family friendly evening at the Canaan Community Recreation Park (located at 6745 VT-102, Canaan, VT, 05903). Featuring free live music performed by The Shifters on the Catamount Arts stage, food vendors and fun, you won’t want to miss this event!
To start the entertainment, local vocalist Mindy Rosenberg will sing the Star Spangled Banner on stage. The opening act will be the Canaan Schools Summer Epic Program elementary students, singing a song they wrote about Canaan with the musical duo, The Rough & Tumble, entitled: “This is home to me.” The Shifters performance will follow, so bring your dancing shoes!
The band will be playing the best of the 60s-80s’ Classic Rock, with popular songs from the Beatles, Brian Adams, Jethro Tull, Charlie Daniel’s, Neil Young, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Winter, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, The Doors and Van Morrison. Celebrating their 42nd year as a band, The Shifters have opened for The Box Tops, The Grass Roots and Joan Jett! Band members include: Eddie Chaloux on bass and lead vocals, Louie Grondin playing guitar, flute, fiddle, harmonica and vocals, Gary Rollins- keyboard and vocals, and Dan Fishbein- drums and vocals. (Lou and Eddie have local roots from Canaan!)
Participating food vendors that will be on-site include Hobo’s Cafe, serving their delicious barbeque foods, and Jean Ralph Catering returning with their food truck, as well. New this year is Vulgar Display of Poutine! To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, complimentary celebratory sheet cake slices sponsored by the American Legion Northland Post #47 and ice cream courtesy of April’s Maple will be served to event attendees. Free patriotic balloons will also be given out by the volunteer organizing committee. The Canaan Historical Society will be setting up interesting historic displays, as well.
But there’s more! The kids will enjoy a face painting station by Bunny Sawicki and lawn games will be available for all to play. Partake in the recreation amenities of the park while there, including the playground, new merry go-round, splashpad, tennis court, pickleball, walking/biking track, disc golf, baseball field & soccer field. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair to chill out on this summer Saturday!
The event will take place, rain or shine, so come prepared for New England weather. Be sure to purchase a 50/50 ticket for a chance to win and support these types of events moving forward. More volunteers will be needed for future events to be possible, so sign up on the list at the welcome table if you can lend a hand.
Sponsors supporting this event are the Canaan Recreation Park committee, Canaan Naturally Connected, The Community Builders Hub, the Town of Canaan, the Kiwanis Club of Colebrook and the Neil & Louise Tillotson Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation. In-kind support from the Begin family is much appreciated, as well.
The event is free for all to attend, and serves as a follow up to the Firefighter Appreciation Day held last year on the same weekend at the park. Organizers wanted to provide a casual and enjoyable experience for the public, and recognize all who give back to their communities. They thank everyone for their volunteerism and contributions to the local towns, and encourage others to join in to continue to make our region a wonderful place to live!
Upon arrival, follow parking signage at the rec park parking lot and additional parking across the road. Handicapped spaces will be available close to the park. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact britni@thecbh.org or 802-277-1974. Watch the Facebook event for updates!
