MAPLE PARK – With storms sweeping through the area, the first “Concert on the Lawn” of the season, hosted by the Maple Park & Countryside Fire Protection District, was postponed a day.

While the weather proved to be beautiful for the concert on June 23, the schedule change likely made it difficult for some people to attend. Still, there were plenty of adults enjoying live music while relaxing in lawn chairs.

“It’s a nice way to get the community outside in the nice weather, and [to] sit and talk to each other and have a good time,” fire chief Kevin Peterson said. “It’s always nice to get together, especially because people are so busy, and this is one of the few chances people can get out and relax.”

The Hometown Band delivered a diverse mix of songs, providing material that the young kids as well as the old-timers could enjoy.

“We have come out to these many times in the past,” Maple Park resident David Stover said. “It’s too bad they had to postpone it because of the weather, because I’m sure there would’ve been more people here... But it’s still always nice to come out and this is still a nice crowd.”

Lynn Harness is happy to say that she’s been a Maple Park resident for close to 25 years. In fact, she believes her adult children loved living in the small community so much that they too have found nice places to live in similar rural areas.

“My kids often have told me how nice it was to grow up here,” she said. “And events like this are special and part of the reason why. It’s nice for the community to come together like this especially because you don’t have to go very far to get here.”

The Maple Park United Methodist Church sold hot dogs, chips and drinks. Many guests brought their own coolers.

“It’s a nice time to come and see old friends,” said Judy Thorgesen, who was handing out hot dogs for the church. “And the neat thing is that it’s not just current Maple Park residents. Some people who have moved away come back at this time to visit, which is nice.”

Maple Park resident Alysha Turton is a newcomer to town. She moved to with her 4-year-old son Gabe earlier this year from Naperville.

“I liked the quieter atmosphere,” she said. “I had no idea this was going on but then saw the people and the chairs, and Gabe wanted to see the fire truck. It’s very cool. We’ll definitely come back to the next one.”

Charlotte Dupree of Sycamore said she’s lived in the area since 2007, but had never attended this event. After seeing the community spirit, she said she’d likely return.

“There’s something unique about a small town getting together and just hanging out and having a good time,” she said. “And this weather is amazing. As awful as it was [yesterday], for us to get a beautiful night like this, what better than to be outside with friendly people?”

If you go

Concert on the Lawn with Back Country Roads band

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 20

Where: Maple Park & Countryside Fire Protection District, 305 S. Countyline Road, Maple Park

Cost/Info: Concerts are free. The Maple Park Lions Club will have snacks and beverages for purchase. Visit backcountryroadsband.com for band information.