CANAL FULTON – The city's inaugural concert series kicks off Friday with headliners Out of Eden taking the amphitheater stage at 8 p.m at St. Helena Heritage Park.

Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with an opening act.

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The concerts are free and parking is available for $10 at the park, 123 Tuscarawas St. NW. Free parking is available at the former elementary school park and throughout downtown. 

Mayor Joe Schultz said the parking fee helps to offset some of the costs of putting on the concerts. A number of sponsors have signed on to fund the series.

On Sunday, Eric Clapton tribute band Evolution, featuring local musician Chris Wintrip, will headline a Father's Day car show and concert. The car show is from 3 to 7 p.m. with the concert at 4 p.m. The concert and parking at the park are free for this special event.

An additional six concerts are slated throughout the summer along with several cruise-ins, organizers said.

The concerts highlight the start of the city's effort to bring more entertainment to the park.

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The first phase was the creation of the concrete stage. Later stages call for a steel roof to be constructed over the stage and the final phase involves adding public restrooms and a staging area for the entertainers.

The city has applied for grants from ArtsinStark and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. Schultz estimates that the price tag to complete the final two phases could rise to about $185,000.

The stage cost was just under $50,000. A temporary cover was installed. The existing structure allows for an open-air space while providing shelter for those on stage. 

"It's kind of trial and error, we'll have to see if it works (throughout the concert series)," Schultz said.

He estimates the cost to install the steel structure could top $60,000.

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Concerts held last year in the park were well received and the mayor hopes residents and visitors from out of the area enjoy the music performances while visiting the community.

What: The inaugural Canal Fulton concert series

When: Entertainment kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, with headliner Out of Eden performing at 8 p.m.

Where: St. Helena Heritage Park, 123 Tuscarawas St. NW. in Canal Fulton

More details: Guests should bring a lawn chair. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.