June 20, 2017
Parks are important to the quality of life in any city and Junction
City’s Heritage Park has been a focal point for all kinds of local
happenings. A number of years ago
Theresa Durand, the daughter of one of Junction City’s early mayors, reminisced
about growing up in this town in the late 1800’s. She stated that her parents,
Mr. and Mrs. R.O. Rizer, arrived here in 1865 and the park was here then. “I shall never forget how my sisters and I
enjoyed marching through the park around the fountain and onto the corner of
Washington and Sixth Street, where Lily Murphy, a young widow operated a
popcorn stand.” Theresa stated that the
“aroma of the hot buttered popcorn was irresistible, so we bought a sack of it
for five cents.”
The special
night of the week in the park was Friday.
That was band concert night.
People from all over Geary County brought their families in to enjoy the
music. Three Bandstands were built in
the park over the years and the Friday night concerts by the Junction City
Municipal Band have been a community custom for over a century.
Band
concerts continue this summer, but they are held in the air conditioned C.L.
Hoover Opera House every Sunday in June beginning at 7:00 PM. The concerts are
free and delicious popcorn is available for a donation. You can enjoy the
popcorn and a cold soft drink or adult beverage while listening to our
Community Band.
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