By Roxy Ekberg
Republican Staff
Wakefield partied hard on Saturday June 3rd at the WakeFIELD Party in Graves Park.
A partnership between Wakefield Progressive and the Dixon County Sheriff’s Department used the event to raise money for new equipment. The exact amount donated will be determined at a later date, said Wakefield Progressive founder Megan Weaver.
In its third year, the Party has expanded beyond its original purpose. Wakefield Progressive continues to look for new community organizations to partner with, said Weaver.
Opening act, Isaac Cole began the event at 5:30 p.m. A utility musician, Cole switched instruments during his performance, sometimes changing instruments in the middle of a song. Rascal Martinez, Nebraska artist, followed with an interactive performance that brought attendees to their feet. Returning performer, Baker Grissom, brought his band for a second showing at the Party. Grissom is a professional songwriter in Nashville, TN. The night before the Party, the band played a show in Kansas City. Grissom credits his friendship with Megan and Brady Weaver for his return to Wakefield, “We came back this year with the band, with the boys,” said Grissom.
Attendees responded enthusiactally to the band’s rendition of “Chicken Fry,” by the Zac Brown Band, dedicated to Grissom’s chickens.
Previous headliner, Josh Kiser, and a fourth food vendor were unable to be at the Party due to COVID-19. Kiser canceled Wednesday before the event, leaving Weaver in a tight spot.
“We had some obstacles this year to overcome…but once the artists took the stage, all of that stress and anxiety was replaced with the joy of seeing people truly enjoying themselves,” said Weaver.
The Emmett Bower Band founded in Lincoln, NE, filled the headliner’s spot and ended the night with their rock influenced music. The band was drawn to Wakefield by Rascal Martinez. We were told the parties were fun, so we decided to come out, said head of the band, Jeff Bower.
Bower worked as a full-time chemist before starting the band in 2010. After diving into band life and touring around the country, Bower moved to part-time chemist, part-time musician and prioritizes his family.
“It’s been good to us,” said Bower, “We get to pick and choose the shows we want to play.”
The Emmett Bower Band will release new songs this summer and is scheduled to perform on the mainstage of the Platte County Fair on July 8th.
Food vendors Crazy Jacks, tacos, new food truck JD Squared, and a beer tent were featured at the Party. Weaver credits the support of sponsors and Wakefield Progressive board for making the event possible. The board is looking to host more events this summer.