LAMPMAN - The Music in the Park event in Lampman returned for its second year, filling the Shirley Carson Therapeutic Park with live tunes and a welcoming atmosphere.
According to Randy Fleck, one of the organizers, it is a way for Shirley Carson’s memory to stay alive and a place for the seniors to gather, listen to music and have an enjoyable afternoon.
Carson was very well known in Lampman for her kindness and her many hours of volunteering, be it at the nursing home, church, rink kitchen or anywhere else who needed a helping hand.
“She went above and beyond when it came to her community,” said Fleck.
The Shirley Carson Therapeutic Park is a place to gather with family and friends, and take a stroll along the paths while taking in the beauty of the flowers and trees that have been planted, while listening to the flowing stream with a small waterfall that has been created. It is also considered a place for peace and healing.
With harvest nearly complete, organizers thought they could have one more event, and they welcomed people who wanted to set up a table to sell their produce or products they created.
It also housed a car and truck show with many bringing their polished vehicles for others to have a peek.
On Sept. 29, the park came alive with singing from the Seventh Day Adventist Church choir. They sang five popular hymns and visited local senior homes, bringing joy to those who hear them.
Many seniors from the building across the street were brought over by the nursing staff to sit and listen to the music as it echoed in the park.
Once the choir completed their set, Laurie Fornwald took to the stage under the pergola, giving the crowd a wide range of songs with her voice.
Often people could be seen singing along or humming the tune as she chose older songs for the crowd.
Over 100 guests came through the park for the come-and-go event.
“This is also a time for newcomers to enjoy the community and be welcomed,” said Fleck. “We want everyone to feel at home in Lampman.”
Author Stacey Grimes-Wempe was added to the event.
Grimes-Wempe, who is originally from the Lampman area, was selling copies of her book A Million Times we Cry, and she offered autographed copies to many of the people that attended.
During this special event, the Grimes family was also honoured, as they have been long-time residents of Lampman and have their business just west of the town.
They have also been involved in the town's volunteer sector and have offered many valuable hands to the community.
A stretch of road that forms part of Highway 605 is now named Grimes Road.
As supper rolled around, Glen Fichter and Jay Jones served up burgers, with the use of Kingston Midstream's barbecue.
“It was a great afternoon of singing, socializing and spending time in a great park,” said Fleck.
At sunset the park slowly emptied out and all that was left was trickling of the water that ran in the stream.
It is their hope to continue with the tradition of Music in the Park to keep the community together with a special event.
