LIMA — Few things close social or economical differences more than live music.
In Lima, the appeal of live music draws people of all types together every Friday throughout the summer.
ArtSpace/Lima is nearing 30 years of having Rally in the Square each Friday. It is the only major fundraiser the organization holds each year. While it is meant to raise money, it also is beneficial to linking people together, according to ArtSpace associate manager Kay VanMeter. VanMeter is also manager for the weekly event.
“It has become a very important event,” VanMeter said. “It is an event where everybody knows everybody, even if it is just that night. There are people of all creeds, all races, all statuses.”
The event grew from an idea nearly 30 years ago from Ellen Nelson, former manager at ArtSpace. One day in the summer, she roped off the alley to the north of ArtSpace. She bought a keg of beer and called everyone she knew.
“She wanted to see how it would go, and it took off,” VanMeter said.
The event now draws several hundred people every Friday. Bands run the gamut as far as style. Certain bands will draw certain crowds but also there are the regulars who attend nearly every week. The event is affordable, with a minimal $2 charge getting you inside and only $3 gets you an adult beverage.
“I come as often as I can,” said Johnny Williams, 63, of Lima.
Williams said the event allows people to mingle, get out of the house and unwind. He said the wide range of music keeps it fresh, and the reasonable prices make in perfect for people of all economic or social levels.
“There is no problem with having to worry about taking care of things at home or paying to go out,” Williams said. “I talk to a lot of people here that I normally likely would never have met. If you support nothing, you have nothing. This is a great way to support something that benefits the community.
Stephney Fess, 59, of Lima, said she and her husband attend Rally in the Square quite often. They prefer the bands that play ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s music, but they are open to other forms of music as well.
“It is a great chance to talk to people,” Fess said. “I have a lot of friends and acquaintances that I might sometimes not talk to for a long time, but I see them and catch up with them here.”
There are also other local sites where people can enjoy live music on Fridays:
• Fountain Park in Van Wert. The Van Wert County Foundation provides live music on eight Fridays throughout the summer. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and a listing of shows can be found at http://bit.ly/1UgLumk.
• Lincoln Park in Lima in the shelter house. The event is sponsored by the Lima Parks and Recreation Department.
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