Contributed photo

Todd Anderson will be bringing his Elvis Presley show back to Ottertail this summer for the annual Music in the Park concert series in the community park. The concert series will feature seven shows this summer in Ottertail. 

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Things always seem to be a bit bigger in Ottertail, and there is perhaps no better example of that, than the annual music in the park series in the community park. This year’s line up of musicians features a collection chock-full of national recording artists, local legends and even Elvis Presley (or more accurately Todd Anderson singing some of Elvis’ classics).   ¶  Ottertail Business and Community Association President Ron Grobeck said the group is planning for another busy summer of activities in Ottertail. One of the highlights of the summer is the music in the park series, which includes seven free concerts in the community park. He said the group was focused on bringing back several popular bands that have performed in the community in the past, as well as getting a few new shows to bring to town.  ¶  “We are bringing in bands that people like and we are going to mix it with some bands that people like that we haven’t brought in before,” he said. “We have a really good line up this year.”

Among the new acts is national recording star Aaron Simmons, who will perform in Ottertail on July 23.

“Aaron Simmons is a recording artist with national ties and is very popular in the area,” said Grobeck.

The OTBCA will also bring in two other new acts including Generation Gap 2.0 on Aug. 27 and the Sideliners on Aug. 20. 

The music in the park series will kick off on June 11 with the Blue English Band. Elvis Presley impersonator Todd Anderson, who drew nearly 600 people last year, will take the stage on June 25, before Rick Adams performs on July 9. Simmons will perform on July 23, the Red Letter Band as part of OtterFest will take the stage on Aug. 10, the Sideliners will perform on Aug. 20 and Generation Gap 2.0 will close out the music in the park series on Aug. 27. 

In addition to the music, popcorn, root beer floats and hotdogs will be served.

“If we have good weather we should have some really good crowds,” said Grobeck, who added that approximately 250 people usually attend the shows. “It’s a good community event and way to get people out and enjoy a nice Tuesday night of music.”

Those who attend the show should bring their own lawn chair, but individuals can also sit in their vehicles near the stage in the park to listen to the music.

Tuesday night concerts will go from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Ottertail Community Park. The concerts are open to the public and free to attend.