There was a good turnout for the first Concert in the Park of the season on Island Park in Portage la Prairie last night.

The season kicked off with a performance from Shades of Country, followed by the Sharpe Sisters, and Coordinator Annette Heal says she's happy with opening night. The concerts take place every Thursday in July and August from 6-8 pm, and Heal says they have some good talent scheduled for the summer.

"We have 3 professional performers coming, so I'm looking very forward to that. We have two blues nights set up for this summer, and there's not really a Portage blues band, so we have some coming."

Heal encourages you to come enjoy a show.

"It's free! The best things in life are free, so bring a friend and a lawn chair...(laughs) and probably bug spray."

Bill Durst will be on stage next Thursday for Concert in the Park.