Audiences are turning out in big numbers for Wednesday night city band concerts. (City-Times photo)

By Robert Whitmire

Great weather and music continue to draw big crowds to the bandshell on Wednesday evenings for the Stevens Point City Band Summer concert series. 

But four-legged, furry friends will take center stage for the Wednesday, June 18 concert featuring the band’s 17th Annual Pet Parade, where area children, pets and pet owners will march through the park to John Phillip Sousa’s ‘Pet of the Petticoats’ march.

Audience members bringing their cats, dogs, camels, Llamas or other family pets are reminded to have them on a leash per city park rules.

“A Musical Menagerie” will be the theme as the band performs music saluting all types of animals.  Featured selections will include “That Old Hound Dog Rag”, “Selections from Cats”, “The Donkey Serenade”, “Carnival of the Insects”, “The Pink Panther” and “Lion King Soundtrack Highlights”.

As always, Michele’s Restaurant and Catering of Stevens Point will be offering food for sale before and during the concert.

Concerts are free and held Wednesday evenings through July 30.  Audience members should bring chairs or blankets for seating.  In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the gymnasium at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 1919 Wyatt Avenue, Stevens Point, and the pet parade will be postponed until the following week.