Sister Hazel
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Finally — barring the bizarre, perhaps, it looks like it’s actually going to happen.
That would be the free Annual Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Labor Day Weekend Concert with headliner Sister Hazel, set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Mill Race Park in downtown Columbus.
You remember the extravaganza. Maybe 6,000 to 7,000 classic pop-rock fans. Maybe millions of prayers of gratitude for the nonprofit hospice’s huge role here since the early 1980s helping patients and their families navigate through a life-limiting illness and the overspill of grief with all-important dignity.
At least dozens of attendees allowing the rhythm to inspire them to start a dance party in the crowd.
Is it coming back to you now?
The last concert was held in 2019 with Survivor (of “Eye of the Tiger” fame) as headliners. You know what happened after that. COVID-19 rained on the community’s parade two years running. And then a deluge last year — all extra heartbreaking because locals missed a chance to catch the locally flavored Yacht Rock Revue’s nationally celebrated smooth grooves in person.
This time, with a literally sunny weekend weather report, Stephanie Cain, the new hospice president and her staff, are getting ready.
“Yes, people here are excited,” said Suzie Singer, hospice’s director for marketing and planning.
Saturday’s forecast is for sunny skies and a high of 88 degrees, with low temps in the mid-60s.
Via corporate sponsorships, raffle ticket, souvenir and other sales, the event generally generates about $150,000 or more for the work of the hospice that is considered the state’s first. Granted, hospice leaders acknowledge it’s a lot of work for staff and a horde of volunteers.
But the gathering has become a family friendly staple of late summertime here. And this year, with well-known and colorful local performer, businessman and Bartholomew County Commissioner Tony London emceeing, the chatter before and in-between acts of opener Levi Riggs at 7 p.m. and the headliner at 8:30 p.m. could be just as cool as the music.
Here’s an overview of what you need to know:
- Lawn seating is first-come-first-serve. Bring your own chair or blanket.
- No smoking is allowed in the park.
- Aisles need to be clear for emergency personnel
- The park’s Lindsey Street parking lot will be open for cars/chair drop off only from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday.
- After 11 a.m. Saturday, the park will be foot traffic only (without a parking pass)
- Parking for those with a disability is available inside Mill Race Park – at the 8th and Lindsey Street entrance next to Mill Race Center (must have handicap sticker/plate).
- Seating for those with a disability plus one guest is available at the concert.
- Food vendors will open at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and will accept cash, check, or credit.
- Our Hospice will be selling water, soft drinks and Powerade (for cash only).
- Raffle tickets ($10) and concert T-shirts ($20) will be sold at designated tents and can be purchased with cash/check only.
- Raffle ticket sales end at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
- Concert T-shirts can be ordered online at https://tonylondonco.printavo.com/merch/hospice-concert-2023.
- Service animals are the only animals allowed in.
- Coolers are allowed.
- Port-o-lets will be available in multiple locations in the field.
