Maple Grove Rotary Promoting Good Causes With Concert Series

Maple Grove’s Town Green Park has been busy on Wednesday nights as a concert series has drawn as many as 3,000 people to the bandshell.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Maple Grove, the Grooves and Foods series features musician and artist Mick Sterling.

During the performances, it’s brought a fair-like atmosphere to the park.

“This is the first time that we’ve been able to have all the food trucks,” said David Barr, President of the Rotary Club of Maple Grove. “Beer and wine sales, you know, weren’t really available before.”

However, Rotary clubs aren’t typically known for their parties or concerts.

Members of the Rotary Club of Maple Grove speak to concert-goers about a buckthorn removal project.

“So what we’re doing is, in sponsoring the event, getting the opportunity to tell people what we do, what the heck is Rotary, you know, who are those guys?” Barr said.

The club is made up of a group of residents looking to improve the world.

“The model for Rotary is called service above self,” Barr said. “And so the idea is you join a Rotary, we have different action groups that you can join.”

One of those action groups focuses on environmental work. In fact, the club is making a push to better the climate this year.

“So whether it’s planting trees, whether it’s pollinator gardens, we have a big project here in Maple Grove where we’re clearing the parks of buckthorn,” Barr said.

With the concert series comes an increase in name recognition. Barr is hoping that can bring new folks to club who want to lend a helping hand.

“We have 70 people in our club right now, and we’re hoping to grow to about 100, so join up,” Barr said.

See also: Maple Grove Rotary Partners With Restaurant for Charity

Maple Grove