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Family fun at the fairgrounds

Contributed photos — The Central Iowa Fairgrounds Summer Concert Series will begin with a performance from Grand Marshall.

The Central Iowa Fairgrounds is introducing a free summer concert series for families to enjoy in the coming months.

Shannon Espenscheid, office manager at the fairgrounds, said the idea came about after the fair was canceled. They had already booked some entertainers who would no longer get to perform at the fair.

“So we thought, ‘Is there an opportunity that we could do some concerts?'” Espenscheid said.

The concert series also allows the fairgrounds to still provide fun for local families after the cancellation of the fair.

Espenscheid said the events will be relaxed and casual, with participants bringing their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on around the picnic shelter.

The first concert will be performed by the local band Grand Marshall 3 to 6 p.m. July 26. Concert-goers will enjoy covers of hits from the 70’s to the 2010’s.

The next concert will be Aug. 2 with Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50’s and hopefully put on a car show in conjunction with the music.

It is a great opportunity to get out of the house while still social distancing, since the concerts are happening outside, Espenscheid said. People can also choose how close they get to others.

“And I think, you know, people are ready to get out,” she said.

Mask are not required and the only regulations are that concert-goers cannot bring in coolers or outside food and beverages. Food, drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Espenscheid said she will work with a different food truck for each concert, which is a great way to support these vendors during this difficult time.

Espenscheid hopes families will take advantage of these fun free events

“Enjoy the concerts and just enjoy being out,” she said.

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Contact Anna Shearer at 641-753-6611 or ashearer@timesrepublican.com.

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