Writer Lara Piu

 
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]itting in the midst of palm tree-lined resorts, golf courses, spas, salons, wineries, restaurants and luxurious shops is McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, calling out the kid in all of us.

In 1967, the land was donated by Fowler McCormick, the last remaining grandson of John D. Rockefeller, to be used as a park for all to enjoy. The City of Scottsdale developed and later opened the park in 1975. Today, its 30 acres feature a colorful, carved antique carousel, a railroad museum, a model railroad exhibit, two railroad-themed playgrounds, and its original main attraction: the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, a three-steam engine locomotive ride that is now a community icon.

Each summer since 1976, the park’s massive lawns are also transformed into a summer concert amphitheater. This year, concerts will be held April 30 though July 2 each Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

“The summer concert series has been a long-running tradition at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park,” City of Scottsdale assistant recreation coordinator Sam Gruber says. “With the help of the Scottsdale Railroad and Mechanical Society, the City of Scottsdale has been providing a fun, free evening of entertainment for families of the valley for over 40 years.”

Groove Merchants, Rock Lobster and other popular local bands will perform classic rock, retro ’80s and ’90s, country, rhythm and blues and other genres. A patriotic fireworks show will follow the July 2 concert.

“We feel that the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is the happiest place in Scottsdale and the connection these concerts create between the City of Scottsdale and our community are invaluable,” Sam adds.

The park concession stand and Hartley’s General Store will sell hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, soda, water and other food and drinks.

Seating is first-come, first-served, Sam adds, so arrive early.

“People show up an hour or so early to find their perfect location to set up for the show with blankets, lawn chairs and coolers,” he adds.

Fun Fact
1 Million = the number of Dollars McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park land was worth when donated in 1967 –and– the number of people who visit the park annually.

April 30 Groove Merchants Rock, R&B, Funk
May 7 Marmalade Skies Beatles Tribute
May 14 One Of These Nights Eagles Tribute
May 21 Rock Lobster Retro ’80’s
May 28 Pearl Ridge Rock
June 4 Outside The Line Funk, R&B
June 11 The Real Thing Top 40
June 18 Americana ’60s & ’70s
June 2 Smashed ’90s-2000s Pop
July 2 Mogollon (fireworks after) High-Energy Country

Summer Concert Series
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale
Sundays, April 30–July 2
7:30–9 p.m.
Free
therailroadpark.com