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By: Brendan McDonough

Reporter for North Tonawanda

More music will soon be coming to Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda. It’s all part of the annual Thursday’s on the Water concert series. 

At Gratwick Park on Friday, June 7th, Mayor Art Pappas, along with 7th District Legislator Jesse Gooch, announced the schedule of events and say it will be music that everyone can enjoy. The 3rd year it’s been held in North Tonawanda.

“We have a venue here with that water behind us which draws the people and when they hear music, along with a venue like this they are happy, and we are happy, here in our community,” said Pappas.

The first concert will be held June 20th and will run every Thursday night, except for July 4th and July 18th, between 5pm and 9pm.  Those in attendance will celebrate to a wide variety of music while enjoying food and festivities for children. 

“On July 25th we will have Nerds Gone Wild,” said Gooch, “which will be a special day for the Nerds because it the 35th anniversary of the Movie called ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and we will have a costume contest for the best 80’s concert.”

It is designed as a family friendly event with a rock-climbing wall and other games for the kids. Jesse Gooch is not only a business owner and an elected official, but he is also the event promoter. For him it was important to make it a night that both the kids and adults can enjoy.

“I think there needs to be more family events in Western New York,” said Gooch, “and I think that it is always good to be able to go someplace where you can bring your kids and your family and feel comfortable.”

This year some of the money collected from the parking fees will be donated to the Veteran’s One-Stop of Western NY.  Another portion will be donated to a group called Bikers Against Child Abuse, which is a smaller group based in Niagara Falls who make it their mission to advocate and fight for children who need it the most.

“Everything we have goes right to the kids,” said a representative from Bikers Against Child Abuse. “It could be bringing them into our family or sending them to therapy. We will do anything and everything we can to help victims of child abuse.”

Thursday’s on the Water is just a weekly event but organizers are hoping it will have a big impact on residents and families across the area who can take some time out to celebrate good music and enjoy some family fun.

For a complete schedule of events you can check out www.thursdaysonthewater.com or www.facebook.com/ThursdaysOnTheWater.