ABOVE: The Kittleson Family band: Bryon Kittleson, Biny Claussen, Barb Schmidt, Betty Egan and Bonnie SueBennett perform at the Sundaes in the Park event on Sunday evening at the Triumph Memorial Park gazebo in Trimont. For a free-will donation, guests could indulge in live entertainment and an ice cream sundae.

TRIMONT — Trimont’s Sundaes in the Park is continuing for the 26th year this summer under the new direction of Ean Sinn.

“It’s a good thing to do for the town, and I’m happy that we have it going,” said Sinn.

The seasonal event began in 1999 by Founder Darwin Anthony. The gazebo in Triumph Memorial Park was built for the Trimont Centennial Band and its concerts, which were also formed in 1999. Since then, the Trimont Centennial Band has kicked off Sundaes in the Park as the first performance. Sinn assisted Anthony with Sundaes in the Park last year. Now, the reins have been fully passed to Sinn, and he’s determined to continue the tradition for several years to come.

“I drove by for the first Sundaes in the Park. I saw the sign saying ‘Sundaes in the Park is happening this week’, and I thought, ‘I wonder what happens when it rains, where do they go?’ So, I knew Darwin was in charge, and I knew Darwin really well, so I called him and said, ‘Darwin, what do you do when it’s raining, where do you go?'”

Sinn recalled that Sundaes in the Park would attempt to find a church or school to perform inside during inclement weather. After Sinn offered the Trimont Chapel, now also the Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center, for rainy Sundays, Anthony happily accepted.

Sinn remarked that Sundaes in the Park is a good opportunity to explore and support the talented individuals in Martin County.

“It’s cool. Having this in a small town shows that we do have people who are talented here. It’s not just talent that comes from Hollywood or New York or places like that. There’s homegrown talent right here that people need to see and hear, and you don’t get to hear that if you don’t come to events like this. And it’s fun seeing the people. I mean, a lot of the acts we have have come year after year because they like doing it. It’s something they consider as something they do for community service, so they like to just offer that special talent and see people get happy,” Sinn said.

He explained that not only does he have plans to keep the event thriving each summer, but hopes to bring an improved atmosphere with a painting project.

“We’re trying to make sure that the exhibit looks as nice as possible with those painting projects. Make sure people know that, yes, this event has been going on for 25 years, and I hope to see it go on for another 25 years,” Sinn emphasized. “I don’t want this to be something that dwindles. I want it to be something that grows.”

Sinn stated that he would like the community to know that the event is family-oriented and to see more age groups represented. He reported that the current guest demographic is senior citizens, and he encourages individuals of all ages to attend. He believes that everyone can mutually enjoy the entertainment, ice cream and the addition of new playground equipment (implemented last September) for children.

“I’m happy that it exists and that it’s something I can keep going rather than something I have to start from scratch. There are a lot of great memories that everybody in town has of this event. It’s really nice that I’m going to help keep this tradition alive,” Sinn expressed.

He voiced his gratitude to the volunteers and Sound System Operator Dennis Peterson for contributing to the operation and success of Sundaes in the Park.

The next Sundaes in the Park performances will be on July 20 featuring First Congregational United Church of Christ-Sherburn Pastor Mike Ennis, July 27 featuring the Fett Brothers (Ryan and Shane), Aug. 3 featuring Glenn Henriksen and Aug. 17 featuring Ryan and Braelyn Faber. Each concert begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Sundaes are supplied by the Trimont Town Center and distributed by volunteers. In case of uncooperative weather, performances will be moved inside to the Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center, Trimont Chapel. For more information, visit the official Facebook page, “Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center.”