FITZROY HARBOUR – Eddy and the Stingrays brought the rock to kick off this year’s Concerts in the Park music series in Fitzroy Harbour last Thursday (July 4).

Just over 100 people came out to enjoy opening night of the prettiest concert series in Ottawa now in its 24th year.

The free music series, Thursday nights in July, is also a major fundraiser for a number of organizations. The series, sponsored this year by Coun. Eli El-Chantiry and Waste Management, has raised more than $50,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Each week the barbecue is hosted be a different youth group that gets to keep the proceeds for their programming. This year, it is also an important fundraiser for the Corkery Community Centre which is raising money to help fund a massive $1.5 million renovation of their community centre.

On Thursday, Dunrobin Community Association president Greg Patacairk emceed the event, introducing Coun. El-Chantiry and Waste Management’s Wayne French.

“I hope to see you at every one,” El-Chantiry told the crowd.

French said Waste Management is happy to be part of the sponsorship team again, after taking a couple of years off.

“Waste Management is very pleased to be sponsoring,” he told the crowd. “We started in 1998 and have done so for 22 years. It’s a real family affair. We wouldn’t have these events without our volunteers. What a setting, have a great evening.”

Eddy and the Stingrays hit the stage and brought the rock in matching bright pink suits. The band has played together for 38 years and focuses on Top ‘50s and ‘60s hits.

Next Thursday (July 11), the Heartbeats take the stage at 7 p.m. For the complete list of bands, click here.