Park Fest celebration tonight in Medford
Krueger Reporter
The Medford Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting “Parkfest” tonight, August 17th. The Chamber is celebrating the community with free general admission. This years event will again have free swim at the city pool from 1-4:30 p.m., food truck alley, a 5K or kids 1K color run at 5 p.m., as well as music.
New to Parkfest this year will be Wisconsin’s own, Mad Dog and Merrill, America’s favorite grill buddies. Together, they host “Mad Dog and Merrill Midwest Grill’n” TV show. The show airs in 35 states and in more than 140 markets. They will be taping an episode of the show while at Parkfest.
“If you want to be on TV, now is your time to shine,” Mad Dog mentioned during a recent interview with K99’s Dave Fleegel discussing tonight’s festivities. Along with Mad Dog and Merrill will be “Fast Freddy on the Keyboards.” Mad Dog and Merrill Midwest Grill’n will start at 4:30 p.m.. The Chamber of Commerce would like to remind attendees to please bring your own lawn chair to the event.
The music headliner this year will be country music singer/songwriter Keith Anderson. Anderson’s album “Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll,” was certified Gold and garnered See PARKFEST on page 4 two Top 10 hits, “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” and “Every Time I Hear Your Name,” along with two Top 30 hits “XXL” and “Podunk.” Anderson has also written or co-written many top hits including, “Lost In This Moment,” the No. 1 hit for Big & Rich which garnered him a CMA and ACM Song of the Year nomination, Anderson also co-wrote, “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?)” for Garth Brooks and George Jones, “The Bed” for Gretchen Wilson and “Barn Burner” for Jason Michael Carroll.
Anderson said that he, “grew up loving music.” He said that he listened to many different singers/bands growing up.
Although he loved music, he grew up playing sports. He eventually played college baseball. He credits his athletic career to helping perform in front of crowds, saying, “there are a lot of similarities between sports and performing in front of people.”
He first gained interest in playing music through his older brother. He later would join his brother’s band. Both he and his brother also played music in church together.
Anderson will take the stage at 7 p.m. tonight at Parkfest followed by KLM entertainment at 9 p.m.
There will be many other activities going on throughout the night at Parkfest. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.
