Editorial
Published: May 9, 2008

Those looking to share special family evenings out this summer in a relaxed, fun environment, look no further than Opelika’s Summer Swing concert series.

The music is good, diverse from week-to-week and better yet, free.

Held at Municipal Park, a relaxing, tree-covered venue that’s perfect for the series, the series is another chance for community members to gather and become closer, regardless of which municipality they reside.

The series, which begins Tuesday, will continue each successive Tuesday at 7 p.m. through Aug. 12 except for the first week of July.

This is just another perfect example of small town life, it’s pure Americana at its best. Like the Victorian Christmas Tour, the lantern tours at Pine Hill and Rosemere cemeteries and summer movie nights at Ogletree Village in Auburn and Auburn’s Sundown Concert Series, events such as the Summer Swing concert series remind us that towns without skyscrapers and major airports are special.

A wide variety of music is offered from week to week, including jazz, classical, rock, pop, Christian and even an Elvis Presley impersonator. It’s also a good chance to see not just local adult musicians, but also youths performing in the Lee-Scott and Opelika High School bands, showcase their talents. It’s also a perfect showcase for local talent. We aren’t the largest metropolis in the South, but we do have a long list of successful musicians.

There’s a reason why a performing arts center exists in Opelika, and there’s a reason why an amphitheater exists at Municipal Park. It’s about talent, and if you’ve got it, flaunt it.

Concessions, including homemade ice cream will be available, to patrons attending. And for the kids, there’s plenty to do if the young ones aren’t dancing with mom and dad. Municipal Park is fully stocked with swings and slides, and the Rocky Brook Rocket, the park’s very own train, will be making rounds.

Why not show support for the community and its talent by marking your calendar and becoming a regular at the series. It’s another reason why life in east Alabama is
special.