Central New Yorkers come out to Utica City Hall for the kick off to Monday Nights at Hanna Park

Many people around Central New York were enjoying the outdoors at Utica's City Hall for the kick off to Monday Nights at Hanna Park.

People scattered along Hanna Park enjoying the music, food and beautiful weather.

Some Common Council Members who organized the entertainment hope this 8-week event can become a tradition in the city.

"It's my night out. I don't have to cook supper," explained Lorraine Merry.

Merry, a Frankfort resident is back in Utica again eating dinner and listening to live music out in Hanna Park with her husband of fifty years."I believe we have been doing it for 11 years. My very first time it was my birthday and my husband wanted to take me out," said Merry.

But, that's when Utica Monday Nite, a 13-week summer arts festival was up and running.

Earlier this year, Utica Monday Nite Drector, Lynn Mishalanie said they weren't bringing the event back due to difficult economic times for the arts.

However, various Utica Common Council Members wanted to bring back summer entertainment.

"Lynn Mishalanie paved the way for what is happening tonight. No one is trying to replace what she did. You cant do it. This is a small part of what she did and she made it easy to make this happen," said Vescera, D-1.

Tonight marks the kick off to Monday Nights in Hanna Park. Eight weeks of music, food and fun.

"the price of gas you cant go to far today. So i think it's great that people can come down and enjoy it," explained Florie Scarchilli.

Scarchilli, a Utica resident says she will miss Utica Monday Nite, but looks forward to what Monday Nights at Hanna Park has to offer. "It used to give me a place to come with Pearl. She doesn't get out much. She lives at the Masonic home and I pick her up and come here. She's my traveling partner," explained Scarchilli.

Florie says she plans on coming down every Monday night at Hanna Park. She says this will be a way to help her stay in touch with her friend, Pearl.

Schedule:

July 9
6- 8:30p: Easy Money- big band

July 16
6- 7:15p:  Two Old Cowboys
7:15- 8:30p: Doc Woods & The Zoe Jazz Ensemble

July 23
6- 7p: Mark Bolos Band
7- 8:30p:  Monk Roe & John Hutson

July 30
6- 7:15p: Strung Sideways- local bluegrass band
7:15- 8:30p:  Rustbelt Riot- local country band

Aug. 6
6- 7:15p: Nervous Rex
7:15- 8:15p: Off the Record

Aug. 13
6- 7:30p: Dave Snediker Band
7:30- 8:30p: The New Horizons Chorus

Aug. 20
6- 7:15p: Wicked- local rock
7:15- 8:30p: Red Hush- local rock

Aug. 27
6- 8:30p: Easy Money- big band