The annual Tunes at Tapps concert series at Allan Yorke Park is growing to an entirely new level this year with the addition of a farmers style market.
This season’s lineup is expected to be the biggest yet for Tunes at Tapps according to Special Events Coordinator David Wells. Introducing food, produce and craft vendors is a way to satisfy the community’s desire for a farmer’s market while also adding substance to the annual event.
The addition of vendors to the festivities will also help stimulate the local economy and fill a gap noticed in concerts past. Many people bring picnic dinners to the concerts, he said. By providing onsite options, participants can show up, grab dinner and enjoy the show. They may even find local treasures and produce to take home with them.
“I’m excited. This is going to bring a whole new aspect to our Wednesday concert series. In my mind, it’s all about keeping stuff local. The money spent at the concerts will stay here,” Wells said.
Wells’ goal is to enlist 10 to 15 food, craft and farm vendors. Handfuls of people have already shown interest. Among them is Papa Johns, who will offer pizza by the slice. A team of Bonney Lake city employees will sell hotdogs and popcorn, the proceeds of which will benefit the yearly Shop with a Cop event – a tradition in which local school kids are taken on a Target shopping spree during the holidays by Bonney Lake police officers.
Tunes at Tapps runs every Wednesday after the Fourth of July until the Wednesday before Labor Day. The first concert in the series will feature Spike and the Impalers on July 10. Other performers include Danny Vernon, Sonic Funk Orchestra, The Beatniks, The Coats, Junction City and Folsom Prison. The series will conclude with The Great Pretenders on August 28. The Beatniks, featuring Bonney Lake police officer Daron Wolschleger, will play on August 14. All shows begin at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is free but throughout the duration of the event, concert-goers are encouraged to bring clothing and food donations to benefit Lions 4 Kids House and the Bonney Lake food bank.
