Stratford’s ‘In the Park’ series returns
A fiesta took place May 29 at Stratford’s Klemme Park for the opening of the 2025 season of “In the Park.” Mariachi Sol de Madison provided traditional Mexican folk music with a variety of instruments, rich vocal harmonies and beautiful traditional Mariachi costumes.
Although the weather was chilly and threatened rain, the crowd attending enjoyed the bright, inspiring music. One smiling listener commented, “How can you not be happy listening to this music?”
The group traveled from the state capital of Madison for the evening performance.
Nacho plates and traditional churros (deep fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar) were served by a group of volunteers.
“In the Park” provides free music on the performance stage and refreshments in Klemme Park during the summer months to allow all community members and families a chance to enjoy a community gathering of music, food, celebration and conversation. Educational information on music styles, cuisine and Stratford history are also shared throughout the events.
Although this first event was held at the end of May, the remaining events this summer will be held on the third Wednesday of June, July, August and September.
June 18 - Balsam Road Ramblers - Hometown favorites perform a variety of country, folk, gospel and patriotic music. For refreshments, there will be an “Old Fashioned Pie and Ice Cream Social.”
July 16 - Gray Catz - A Stevens Point/Plover based trio performing rock and country through the ages. Refreshments will include hot dogs, chips and root beer floats, with root beer donated by Stevens Point Brewery.
Aug. 20 - Jerry Schmitt Band - Nashville-based Stratford native will lead a full band with a blend of
modern and traditional country music. Refreshments will include Nashville style cuisine.
Sept. 17 - Hayes Boys Orchestra - Hometown originated polka and big band sound. Early Oktoberfest themed refreshments, including brats and kraut, will be served.
Bring your own lawn chair or blankets. The rain location, if needed, will be inside the Stratford School District. Refreshments will be available in the park shelter at 5:30 p.m. and music will play on the Klemme Park stage from 6 to 8 p.m.
People are asked to leave their pets at home during the music events in the park. The park playground is available during the events for activity breaks for young family members.
You can also take a stroll through the Stratford Area Historical Society (SAHS) Museum, starting at 5:30 p.m., to capture a sense of how this original logging community has flourished throughout the years. SAHS appreciates any donations to help support preservation of artifacts and continued historical educational events. Check out the Stratford Area Historical Society Facebook page.
These free “In the Park” activities are made possible by the donations of attendees, community and local businesses, private donors, and partnerships with the Stratford Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC), the SAHS, Village of Stratford, School District of Stratford and a grant from the Hamus Fund of the Marshfield Community Foundation.
Donations are accepted at the events but additional donations – private or business sponsors – may also be sent to the SACC-In the Park. Sponsors are announced at each event and displayed on signage in the park during events.
If you are interested in being a part of the In the Park planning team, contact the SACC or Village of Stratford.
MUSICA BONITA - Mariachi Sol de Madison kicked off this year’s “In the Park” concert series on May 27 at Klemme Park in Stratford.
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