Concerts in the Park begin Thursday in Rumford

A concert is scheduled Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the gazebo in Veteran’s Memorial Park near the end of Congress Street in Rumford. It is the first of three this summer sponsored by the River Valley Chamber of Commerce. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times

RUMFORD — The first of three summer concerts will take place Thursday at the gazebo in Veteran’s Memorial Park near the end of Congress Street.

Cheryl Dickson, executive director for the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the concerts are free, but donations will be accepted in marked containers that will be available.

A food truck will be at the other end of the park.

Concertgoers should bring their chairs.

A portable toilet will also be available.

Police Chief Tony Milligan told selectmen Thursday that he met with the chamber to discuss traffic control and safety. A section of Route 108 on Bridge Street between Canal and Franklin streets will be closed from 5 to about 8:15 p.m. during the concerts. The end of Congress Street will be blocked also.

Milligan said an officer will be assigned to the event.

The other concerts are scheduled for July 14 and Aug. 11, both from 6 to 8 p.m.

The gazebo was constructed in 2017 by EnvisionRumford, a local group of volunteers promoting downtown Rumford. The plan was to have a place where community concerts would be held to bring people to downtown.

The town announced in 2020 that the gazebo would be dedicated to John Kazel of Rumford Center, who was a fervent supporter and volunteer at Maine Veterans’ Homes, and appointed to the Maine Veterans’ Home board of trustees by Gov. Paul LePage. The dedication was never held because of COVID-19. Kezal died Oct. 23, 2021.