Live Summer Music!

Picture this. It’s a warm evening, with a slight breeze. The trees are tall and large beside you, and you can hear the leaves rustling and the eventide air moving through a grassy area. The grass is freshly mowed, and soft under your feet. A background noise of kids running through the park on the other side of five-foot-tall bushes. An 80-year-old wall made from rock and cement stands at least ten feet tall in front of you, and the sound of music bounces off of it, right into your heart. Serotonin levels are up, and you are feeling good! Now imagine this taking place in Beresford, South Dakota on a Wednesday night and you got yourself what we call Summer Music in the Park!

In June of 1959, the park in Beresford was dedicated in honor of a man named William John Bulow. He moved to Beresford in his youth from Ohio and became City Attorney in Beresford from 1902-1927. After that he was elected governor of South Dakota from 1927-1931, and went on to be a part of the senate in Washington D.C. The park was dedicated to him for his service, laughter and fun-loving spirit that he shared with the city of Beresford. Bulow Park is an iconic place for the residents of Beresford and the community beyond. Serving people with a pool, pickleball courts, disc golf, basketball, shelters and picnic tables, including two playgrounds and the rock wall. This Rock Wall built around the 1940s has gone on to serve the Beresford community in many ways. Kids play in the area, bands share their music, and different events take place here. What a blessing it is to have such a great place for people of all ages! (Reference: Historical Beresford Newspapers)

Since 2018 the Beresford Area Arts, a non-profit organization in Beresford, has organized music in Bulow Park at the rock wall. The committee is ‘dedicated to the promotion of cultural arts in the Beresford community and surrounding area.’ And they do a great job at that! From theater to music in the park, these talented people bring the arts to so many in the community and we couldn’t be happier to support them! Every Wednesday through the summer there is a line up of different bands from around the area that will share their music with members of the community. Each person in the neighborhood and beyond is encouraged to bring friends and family, a chair or blanket, and listen to the music echoing through the park! What a great time it is! This summer the Beresford Area Arts is turning 25! In honor of the 25th birthday, the committee has organized a fundraiser. You can check out their Facebook page for more information.

There is something different about live music, especially music in the park. It brings community, laughter, and can even improve overall health. According to Psychology Today, music has been known to reduce anxiety and pain, as well as improve sleep and mood. This is great news! In a culture of go, go, go and not enough rest; music could be something brought in to the lives of many when they visit their local live music venues. Once a week live music is a great way to balance some of the busyness in many members of our communities’ lives. It is understood that Americans must work, and children must be educated, and in the meantime, everyone should enjoy some outdoor live music in the summer. People of all ages is welcome to join the audience in the music at the park. Bands chosen for their family friendly atmosphere, bring music that many will enjoy!

We encourage you to take some time to enjoy music in the park on Wednesday nights during the summer in Beresford, South Dakota. While you are at it, please join us at the farmer’s market. We have one food truck every week, a coffee truck, and plenty of vendors to choose from. Need some fresh, locally grown produce? Or how about some gluten free, and very delicious, baked goods? What about a nice wood crafted project that a family member may enjoy having? We have something for you at the market and we would be honored if you came by and checked it out! See you all Wednesdays!!!