by April Scheinoha
Reporter

    Funds continue to be raised for Annie Street Park in Thief River Falls. Like last year, an upcoming concert will help raise funds for playground equipment at the vacant park on the city’s southeast side.
    The concert will be held Saturday, June 24, starting at 3 p.m., at the park. As in the past, Nashville recording artist Jake McVey will headline the event. McVey has shared the stage with Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and Little Big Town. His performance will be held from 9 to 10:30 p.m.
    Other performers include Shell Shock, Blacklist, Dariann Leigh, and Tami Lee and the Northern Lights.
    Besides music, the event will feature the seventh annual Thief River Falls Summer Kubb Tournament, which will start at 10 a.m. at the park.
    The local National Guard unit will also provide an activity for kids and adults.
    The Spud Wagon and Groovy Grub will provide food. The Rusty Nail will host a beer garden at the park.
    A conceptual plan was approved for the park last year. The plan, created by BCI Burke and St. Croix Recreation, includes swings, slides, climbing apparatus and a climbing rock. The project is estimated to cost $80,000.
    Neighbor Jason Aarestad, who has since been elected to the Thief River Falls City Council, is leading the effort to raise funds for the project. He has agreed to raise $20,000 for the park improvements. So far, about $10,000 has been raised. The city Parks and Recreation Department is expected to contribute $20,000. The city hopes to receive a $40,000 grant for the remainder of the project.