The unofficial kickoff to the summer begins tonight for the Perry Chamber of Commerce’s Friday Fest. 

Chamber Director Lynsi Pasutti is welcoming Perry and surrounding residents to enjoy a fun, free celebration at Pattee Park this evening. She announces that the band Rukkus is playing music and people are encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets and beverages as well. Pasutti notes there will be plenty of food vendors including the Perry Fire Department, the middle school softball team, the high school music department, and The Hangout Diner. She is looking forward to the event as a way to launch into summer.

“Originally when we planned it, school would’ve been out, but things change for that, so this will be our (unofficial) kickoff to the summer. The next week (the) farmer’s market starts and Kids Fest and everything, so we just wanted to separate that a little bit to give people multiple weekends to enjoy summer activities.”

Pasutti shares there will be kids activities during Friday Fest with barrel rides and a glow foam party. The event is tonight at Pattee Park from 6-9:30pm, with Raccoon Valley Radio’s Big Red Radio in attendance before the festivities from 4-6pm doing live broadcasts.