Parkfest continues to set the bar higher

Last year the Medford Area Chamber of Commerce showed it could take Parkfest to the next level when they brought in up-and-coming performer Chris Kroeze for a hybrid paid and free concert experience. That event drew an estimated 3,000 people.

This year, the Chamber staff and volunteers demonstrated that level of excitement and fun is not only sustainable in Medford, but has room to grow as the 2022 Parkfest celebration blew away expectations, drawing an estimated 4,000 attendees for the VIP ticket-buyers and those enjoying the free show.

What makes Parkfest a success is the different elements that are blended together in celebration. It is equal hard partying with a music festival feel and a familyfriendly community event recognizing outstanding service and offering activities for all ages.

This year saw the addition of an opening band in the Driveway Thriftdwellers, a popular Milwaukee-area band, playing “southern rock with a northern heart,” with brothers Jon and Ryan Knudson who are Medford natives. This was a fantastic addition and helped ramp the crowd up for the headliner performance from Jerrod Niemann, a seasoned veteran singer-songwriter, who put on a high-powered show with his own music as well as covers of classic modern country crowd-pleasers.

Added to these stellar performances, was the recognition of the Medford Cooperative’s Heroes Among Us individuals for their outstanding and understated work in the community. Also taking place was free swimming and prizes in the pool for children of all ages. Hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies were given away, a 5K Run was held by the Weather Shield LITE Foundation to help raise money for a band shelter project and enough food options from area vendors to satisfy any tastes. The organizers of the event deserve a round of applause for the countless hours they put in over the past several months and for the stress and worry of a potential rain-out. Fortunately, other than a few sprinkles at the beginning, the weather did not deter crowds from coming out. Also deserving of applause are the many volunteers who served the beer, staffed the gates and took the time to help make the event a success. Beyond the volunteers, there were also the emergency personnel on the fire and ambulance departments and law enforcement personnel on-hand to make sure people got home safely.

In addition to the organizers and volunteers, the event could not happen without the continued support of area business and community sponsors. These sponsors are truly what makes the difference in making the event a success and keeping it affordable for wide participation.

Going forward, the challenge will be to keep the momentum going and help Taylor County build a reputation as a place to play as well as work. The Parkfest confirms that you don’t have to leave town to have a good time and that the future remains bright in the city of Medford.

Members of The Star News editorial board include Publisher Carol O’Leary, General Manager Kris O’Leary and News Editor Brian Wilson.