Better days aren’t only ahead, they’re here. Great outdoor weather is upon us, vaccinations are quickly rolling out throughout the region, and announcements of returning events and cultural happenings – the stuff that makes up the heartbeat of our community – are increasing with each passing week. And today, I’m happy to add a couple more fun ones to the list.

Perhaps the most anticipated one for us is the triumphant return of Volume One’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series, the Thursday night concert in Phoenix Park. The beloved downtown tradition will return for its 14th season on June 17. We’re excited to provide a safe, outdoor platform for dozens of musicians to perform for a crowd, in many cases, for the first time in well over a year. The event will be everything you know and love – a beautiful park, music, food vendors, non-profits, and more – but as we’re still in the recovery phase of the pandemic, the Eau Claire County Health Department asks attendees to keep in mind the safety measures of the day with social distancing and masks when you’re around the general public. Thankfully, we’ll have the whole park to stretch out and get ourselves comfortably situated with family and friends. Watch for line-up details and more soon, and stay in the loop at VolumeOne.org/concerts.

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We’re excited to get these gatherings back on the books.

With open-air events, a continued focus on getting people vaccinated, and some basic precautions, we’re confident the summer of 2021 will be everything we all hope for. See you out there!

Nick Meyer

VOLUME ONE EDITOR/PUBLISHER

     Another is Volume One’s Food Truck Friday. This monthly gathering of roughly 10 food trucks and vendors will be back in action on the south side of Phoenix Park on the first Fridays of the month, starting June 4. Expect all the tasty BBQ, gyros, tacos, dogs, donuts, ice cream, and more that you need from a proper celebration of street food. Again, you’ll have the whole park to spread out, but keep distancing and masking in mind while waiting in line and grabbing a patch of grass. Watch for more info and the line-up soon at VolumeOne.org/FoodTruckFriday.

     We’re excited to get these gatherings back on the books. With open-air events, a continued focus on getting people vaccinated, and some basic precautions, we’re confident the summer of 2021 will be everything we all hope for. See you out there!