Mill Park annual music series returns

June 28 marks the start of the annual Newfield Music Series, which takes place at Mill Park in Newfield. This season, music will play in the park  every other Wednesday from June 28 to Aug. 23. In addition to live music performances, the event will feature food vendors and an art gallery with art from local students.  

This season will include music performances from Rena Guinn, Mortal Combine, Erin and the Backwoods Blues Project, J.P. Payton and The Notorious String Busters.

A number of local food vendors are lined up for the season, such as Jean’s Soul Food, Dennis’ Homemade Ice Cream and Stop, Pop & Roll Boba.

The 2023 season is the event’s seventh year. J.T. Tompkins, an organizer of the event, said that the summer music series provides an excellent atmosphere for community members.

“[My son] and his friends just run around and explore the creek and play football and tag,” Tompkins said. “Really everyone in between families come with blankets and grab food from the vendors or bring a little picnic.”

Not only does the annual music event serve as an enjoyable experience for those attending, it also holds an impact that extends beyond entertainment. 

“Community building is where it’s at. I think we’re all about bringing people together, and music is one of those languages that everyone can relate to,” Tompkins said. “We’re kind of hitting all the levers to try and bring people together. … Music in this park setting in the summer is perfect.”

The first event of the season will feature an art gallery displaying artwork by local students. The music series has partnered  with a local art teacher to post student artwork all over Mill Park.  

The start of the series brings both excitement and an element of sorrow: a reminder of the loss of two cherished community members. The event will pay tribute to Lynn Watros and Rebecca “Becca” Harber.

Watros, a member of the Newfield Fire Company and involved community member, passed away at home June 13 at age 81.

“[Watros] was a real linchpin of all this because he wanted Mill Park to be used. … He just loved coming to the shows, and he was always so happy that it was being used and people were coming out,” Tompkins said. “He was super happy.”

Harber, a local poet, herbalist and active member of the community, passed away Nov. 16, 2022 at age 72.

“She was at every show dancing under the gazebo and everything,” Tompkins said. “It’s a little bit of a bittersweet celebration this year in honor of Lynn and Becca. … We will be paying tribute to them this year.”

Newfield Music Series at Mill Park welcomes friends, family and all community members to bring blankets to settle in and enjoy what this event has to offer.

Newfield Notes appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

‘Honk!’ at Newfield High School

Running to Places Theatre Company (R2P) will present “Honk!” at Newfield High School Theatre June 30 to July 2 from 2:00-4:30 p.m. “Honk!” is the Olivier-winning musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Ugly Duckling.

Jyl’s Photo Booth will be there to take souvenir photos with the cast.

The event is free to attend, but donations are welcome. Register for free tickets at www.runningtoplaces.org/.

Upcoming events at the library

Newfield Public Library will host a movie night Friday, June 30 at 7 p.m. featuring “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” – with popcorn!

Yoga For Beginners will be held at Newfield Public Library Sunday, July 1t from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The event will be hosted by Phyllis KuanYin Chi and is suitable for beginners and those with mobility issues.

NPL Family Story Time will be held at Newfield Public Library Tuesday, July 4 from 10:30-11:15 a.m. The event includes stories, songs and more for infants through age 5.