By Kris Leonhardt

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids will begin its summer season with a concert June 12 at Robinson Park.

The band originated in the 1870s as a partnership between the Lyon family band and the Odd Fellows band.

Twenty years later, the Twin City band grew out of remaining members, which became the official city band in 1902.

Today, the band is 50 musicians strong and a mixture of community members, from teens to those in their 80s.

The group performs weekly concerts every Tuesday through the month of July at Robinson Park, 1941 Apricot St., Wisconsin Rapids, at 7:15 p.m. Special themes this year include: Christmas in July, a Fourth of July celebration, and a dance concert. All concerts are free to the public.

For more information, contact Keith Olson, director, at 715-254-7228 or knjolson@mac.com.