MUSKEGON, Mich. — Hackley Park was hopping on Friday night as hundreds of people gathered to enjoy one of Downtown Muskegon's favorite traditions.
Parties in the Park happens on Fridays throughout the spring and summer. Each week people can enjoy live music, food and drinks while supporting great causes. Each party has a nonprofit sponsor that receives the proceeds from the event. Friday night's nonprofit sponsor was the Lakeshore Junior Lumberjacks.
"We are a youth hockey program here in Muskegon, and we're entering our third season. We merged with two legacy programs to really grow and build upon the growth of hockey in the Muskegon area. We're very thankful to have the Muskegon Lumberjacks here to really encourage that growth. We have over 300 kids involved in our program, and it's just really awesome to bring them this community," said operations manager Jes Neuman who says being the sponsor of Parties in the Park is a huge help to their mission.
"It's enormous. It allows us to grow our scholarship program, to get more kids on the ice, and then that player development piece, so they have extra ice time at no cost to them."
There's also a different musical act at each party. Friday night's performance was by the Muskegon-based Westside Soul Surfers, a band that plays everything from rock to R&B and soul music.
Remaining Parties in the Park:
- Friday, July 26's party will benefit the Greater Muskegon Jaycees with music from Ronnie Baker Brooks, Vincent Hayes, and the Raw Deal.
- Friday, August 2's party will benefit the Lake Hawks Foundation with music from the Rhythm Method Band and a surprise opening act.
- Friday, August 16's party will benefit the Women's Division Chamber of Commerce with music from Magic Bus.
- Friday, August 23's party will benefit Agewell Services of West Michigan with music from That Beatles Thing.