Beckley, WV (WOAY) Beckley citizens gathered in downtown Word Park during their lunch hour for the first of this summer’s Fridays in the Park. The weekly event runs from June 5th to August 28th and features free live music as well as community food vendors from 11:30 to 1:00.
City of Beckley Events Director Trish Morgan said the first Friday had a good turnout and even better music:
“So far, there’s a few people here. Everybody seems to really be enjoying it. People are out walking their pets and just enjoying the beautiful day… We’ve got Jay Milam. He’s an acoustical musician, and he’s fantastic. He’s got a good vibe going… Usually, I have a sweet and a savory vendor, so there’ll be food and maybe something sweet, most days. Today we have great hot dogs, so it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The free concerts are open to everyone and host a variety of different musicians throughout the summer. Some citizens, like William Gray, attend as often as they can:
“I come every Friday. Bring my son, he likes coming up here. Listen to them sing and dance.”
Some vendors see Fridays in the Park as a chance for community connection and service.
A local church stepped up to serve food on the 5th when another vendor cancelled, and Pastor Xavier Oglesby says they took the opportunity to help raise funds for the Antonio Avenue Project, which the Beckley Church of the Living God partners with to assist those in need with utility costs during the winter.
“I was really happy to be here to help in this situation because it’s a it’s a win win. It helps us to be a blessing to somebody else… How we serve god is where we serve one another, our brothers and sisters that we see every day.”
To learn more about Fridays in the Park, including who is playing, visit the Beckley Events Facebook page. Vendors interested in attending should contact the City of Beckley events director, Trish Morgan.
