Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture opens its 2012 Summer Concerts in the Park Series this Saturday, May 19, with ’80s Night in the Park featuring the band Joystick. Details and a list of this summer’s concerts in THE GUIDE»

By CHRISTINA RITCHIE ROGERS
CorneliusNews.net

The Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department is planning a new greenway that would connect neighborhoods between Ecopark, at Hwy. 21 across from the Home Depot, and Bailey Road Park. The town requested funding for the project a few years ago as part of its efforts develop a master bicycle and pedestrian plan, PARC Director Troy Fitzsimmons said, and the N.C. Department of Transportation now has made those funds available to the town.

NCDOT has allocated $2.15 million for the project through the Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation’s transportation improvement program, and the town will be responsible for any additional costs or design, permitting and acquisition, Mr. Fitzsimmons said. Read the full story

Elizabeth Garris, 8, of Cornelius (Left) won the Cowgirl Contest Saturday. She was joined on stage by cowgirls Kaela Rasenberger and Sydney Young. (Rachel Goldstein / CorneliusNews.net)

Hundreds put on their party boots and headed to Bailey Road Park Saturday night for Country Night in the Park.

Part of the Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department’s Summer Concerts in the Park series, the event featured the Chris Lane Band. Lead singer Chris Lane is a former American Idol contestant.

The Chris Lane Band performed Saturday. (Rachel Goldstein /CorneliusNews.net)

WANT TO CATCH THE NEXT CONCERT?

PARC plans its next and final concert, 70′s Night in the Park, Aug. 20 with The Throwback Band. The evening also will include fireworks.

Gates will open at 7 p.m.at Bailey Road Park for the free, family concert with children’s activities and concessions by Bruster’s Ice Cream, Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Heart 2 Heart Bakery & Cafe.

Free parking is available at the park and at Bailey Middle School. Coolers are allowed, but glass bottles, alcohol, pets or open flames are not permitted.

The Cornelius/Lake Norman Lions Club this weekend will collect used eyeglasses to donate to the visually impaired. The club also is collecting school supplies to donate to Cornelius and J.V. Washam elementary schools, and invites children to participate in its annual Peace Poster contest. Read below for details. Read the full story

Zack Hall of Cornelius (right) enjoys the 'cooling station' with other kids at the Beach Bash on Saturday. (Rachel Goldstein / CorneliusNews.net)

Despite the extreme heat, about 800 people turned out to Bailey Road Park Saturday evening for a Beach Bash.

Part of the Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department’s Summer Concerts in the Park series, the event featured The North Tower Band, playing oldies, beach music, top-40 hits and funk.

In addition to the music, children enjoyed different activities, including the Coca-Cola Discovery vehicle with Wii games, a mist tent and surf simulator.

CorneliuNews.net was pleased to sponsor the event.

GALLERY
Click on the first photo to view as a slideshow. [Photos by Rachel Goldstein/CorneliusNews.net]

With a hot and sunny forecast this week, the Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture department encourages community members to get out of the air conditioning and enjoy some ‘cool’ outdoor events under the stars. Read the full story

The band 80z Enuff performs at bailey Road Park Saturday evening. (Christina Ritchie Rogers / CorneliusNews.net)

More than 1200 people headed to Bailey Road Park Saturday night for 80s night. Sponsored by the Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture department, the event featured the cover band, 80z Enuff, that played two sets of classic songs from the 1980s. The concert was part of PARC’s summer ‘Concerts in the Park’ series.

CorneliusNews.net was among the sponsors for the event.

Some girls showed off their best moves while the band played. (Christina Ritchie Rogers / CorneliusNews.net)

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra played just before the storm rolled in (Rachel Goldstein / CorneliusNews.net)

Despite an ominous weather forecast, about 1800 people turned out to Bailey Road Park Saturday night for the annual “Symphony in the Park.” Part of the Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture department’s ‘Concerts in the Park’ summer series, the event included games and face painting starting around 6 p.m., pre-show music by the Bam Jazz Trio, and music by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra starting at 8:15 p.m. Read the full story