FAIRMONT — The temperature has risen, sunsets are late, and meeting outdoors is a special highlight for many of us. Cue the music, because the Fairmont City Band is ready to bring back their much-loved concerts for 2021. The first concert is set for June 15. Dianne Bittenbinder, who serves on the band board, shares some background on the band as well as what people can look forward to for this year.

“The Fairmont City Band started in 1873 and has been on and off since then,” she said. “They took a break during World War II because there were so many people gone. They broke up in 1945 but started back up in 1951.

“I think it’s been running every year since 1951 except for last year when we didn’t have a season because of the pandemic. It’s sponsored by the City of Fairmont in conjunction with Fairmont Area Schools.

“We kind of consider ourselves public relations ambassadors for the City of Fairmont, and our mission is to provide musical entertainment, enjoyment, and goodwill to the citizens of the community.”

Bittenbinder notes that another goal is to offer opportunities for anyone who wants to play. There are no auditions and the band is open to kids who have completed the tenth grade up and any age group older than that.

“We have some younger kids, but not too many because a lot of them have summer jobs and other things going on. Otherwise, we’ve had members that have been there for 60 years, and it’s really fun.” Bittenbinder also stated that students under the tenth-grade level can join in if recommended by a band director.

The concerts will be held at the Bandshell in Sylvania Park in Fairmont, and Bittenbinder notes that has always been a great location for the concerts, but stated that some work still needs to be done on the structure itself.

“Way back in 2002 and 2003 the city did some stuff, and now I think they’re going to go out there again and take a look. There’s a lot of squirrels that chew all the wood. The stage itself was concreted a few years and they brought an apron out so more people can play.”

Bittenbinder said that the concerts usually average about 40 to 60 players. She’s also grateful for the Interlaken Heritage Days committee, which runs the concession stand.

“Any money they make through that they use for all their activities,” she said. “I know they’re doing that again this year because I’ve already talked with them.”

Concerts will be held on June 15, 22, 29, and July 4 and 13 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m at Sylvania Park in Fairmont. The band also rehearses just before each concert, and the public is invited to those as well.