The Concerts in the Park is hosting its second annual "The Voice of Ceres" youth singing competition for children K-6th grades. Each of the 7 concert nights, Tuesdays, June 3- July 15, 2014 , kids will compete during the intermission, at Whitmore Park.
The winner of the competition will have a chance to perform at all of the Ceres special events, such as the Halloween and Christmas festivals, The Ceres Street Faire and the 2015 Concerts in the Park kick-off.
No entry fee or experience required, spots fill up quick, so register soon. To apply call Cambria at 538-5782 or email cambria.pollinger@ci.ceres.ca.us.
Concerts will be held every Tuesday evening starting on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Whitmore Park, corner of Third and North streets.
The concert series schedule is as follows:
• June 3 - Greg Scudder & The Beer 30 as sponsored by Embroidery Plus;
• June 10 - Patty Davis Castillo, The House of Orange and the Rob Hill Band, sponsored by EXIT Realty Consultants;
• June 17 - Johnny Rocket & The Thrust, on Graffiti Night and Car Show, sponsored by Bronco Wine Company;
• June 24 - Eli & The Old Timer and Breaking Chains, sponsored by Supermom;
• July 1 - Ernie Bucio's Little Big Band (on Patriotic Night) sponsored by American Pet Clinic;
• July 8 - Local church music groups, sponsored by Curves Fitness;
• July 15 - The Voice of Ceres youth singing competition grand finale, sponsored by Alfonso's Mexican Restaurant.
The series will end on July 15 with the "Voice of Ceres," a kids' singing competition. During intermission at each concert, three individual performances for children aged 3 to 13 will be held. The winner each night will advance to the grand championship to compete to win the contest.
Concert goers will be encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinners. Free kids crafts and activities are also available each week, courtesy of the city.
Beer and wine will be allowed at the summer Concerts in the Park series at Whitmore Park following the Ceres Planning Commission's approval of a conditional use permit. The Ceres Chamber of Commerce asked the city for permission to sell beer and wine at the 2014 concert series. The Chamber proposes that proceeds from the sale be split between the Chamber, the Concerts in the Park and the Ceres Downtown Improvement District, commonly known as the Ceres Downtown Revitalization Area Board.
Barbecued meals will be offered by the Ceres Firefighters Association.
The city has sponsored Concerts in the Park since 1989.
"We have a great new committee," said city of Ceres recreation coordinator Cambria Pollinger. "I'm so excited about it."
A fundraiser will be staged to get people to attend the seven-week concert series while raising money for the Concerts in the Park Committee, the Downtown Ceres Business Association and the Ceres Chamber.
Concerts are free but a $35 season prize pass will be sold that enable people to have a chance to win $500 during each of the eight concerts. Winners must be present to win the entire $500 amount but those who are not present if their name is drawn will be awarded $250. Passes may be pre-ordered for $35 by calling the city at 538-5628; or the Chamber of Commerce, 537-2601. Those who wish to participate in one concert drawing may buy a single "prize pass" for a 50/50 drawing for $10 per ticket. Passes are available at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street, at the Ceres Chamber of Commerce, 2938 Fourth Street.