OSAGE BEACH, Mo. -- This city's Community Programs Committee is finalizing plans for a new, free family-oriented event.
The "Welcome to Summer" community concert will offer comedy, country music and fireworks for visitors on Father's Day weekend, June 20, at Osage Beach City Park.
The Community Programs Committee started as an idea from the Osage Beach City Administrator Jeana Woods and fueled by an initiative from Mayor Penny Lyons and the board of aldermen to present more events and garner additional community involvement.
Since starting Feb. 21, the group of city employees orchestrated its first Easter Egg Hunt, which drew more than 2,000 people. The group also will facilitate other events such as its Second annual Holiday Light Drive-Through Park this winter, the seventh annual city-wide garage sale on Sept. 19 and the 15th annual Fall Festival on Sept. 12.
The committee is moving to expand its popular Fall Festival and make its concert a separate free community activity.
"We have decided to separate the concert and that is how "Welcome to Summer' was born," said Osage Beach Assistant City Administrator Mike Welty. "We then thought of when we wanted to do it. With the first day of summer on June 21 and it being on Father's Day weekend, we thought June 20 would be a great time to have this event."
Welty said the event will open around 6 p.m.
Master of ceremonies Michael Joiner will provide a 30- to 45-minute routine. Taking first place in Hollywood Improv's "Funniest Comic in L.A.," Joiner is known for his sarcastic but clean comedy. He has written for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," was featured on the "Bob and Tom" syndicated radio show and appeared in 15 feature films.
"We are very lucky to have Michael Joiner be our MC and perform during this event," Welty said. "He is known as the "clean comedian' and is very family friendly."
Following Joiner, the Travis Gibson Band will perform at about 7:30 p.m. The Missouri native started his group in July 2013, blending American country and rock music. The band has opened for Chris Cagle, Josh Thompson and Clay Walker.
"They are a prominent country band within the Midwest. ... They are very good and family friendly; they get kids up on stage and lip sync with them," Welty said. "As it gets dark, Joiner will do some giveaways and families can then watch the fireworks show."
After the fireworks display concludes, the band will take to the stage again for another set. Giveaways will continue throughout the event.
The city's Community Programs Committee hopes to expand on the new event in the future. The committee recently posted an online survey to gauge public interest in future activities and programs.
Events included in the survey are car shows, BBQ contests, homemade wine/beer contests, a movie night in the park, culture night with local musicians and artists and crafts in the park. Survey participant also can offer their own ideas.
Welty said they have received feedback from the survey both online and from those coming to city hall to fill it out in person. So far the residents have offered up two leading choices in new activities.
"BBQ contests are winning and craft shows are coming in for a close second. Oddly enough, car shows weren't as requested, however, with prominent ones such as Hot Summer Nights (and others) there are already big events like that here," he said.
Welty said the survey will also help the Community Programs Committee determine what activities to plan for summertime next year. However, a few ideas are ones they may try to do within the coming summer months.
"The survey helps us mold ideas. One of the ideas is free movie nights in the park, and that is something we might be able to do sometime this summer," he said.
Welty said the survey is still available at city hall and online at www.osagebeach-mo.gov.