Photo by Dwayne Black Pop ROCKS headlined the Sounds of Summer concert in Marshall on Saturday night. Band members, including Krystin Siltberg and David LeDuc, showcased a wide range of hit music complete with costume changes and impersonations of pop stars.

MARSHALL — Marshall’s community festival was going strong this weekend, with crowds of people coming out for Sounds of Summer’s concerts, activities and community events. In addition to performances from Broken Oak, Whiskey Rich and Pop ROCKS, area residents stepped up to be part of the celebrations, too.

It was good to see Sounds of Summer keep its all-ages focus, said Marc Klaith, part of the sounds of Summer organizing committee.

“It’s really family oriented,” he said.

It seemed like participation in Sounds of Summer events like the grand parade was strong this year. It took about an hour and 20 minutes for the parade to pass along Lyon and Main streets, Klaith estimated.

Another way to look at Sounds of Summer turnout was through its impact on events like community fundraisers. Members of the Marshall Noon Rotary said they had sold out of tickets for their rubber duck races by Saturday morning. David Krull of the Marshall Fire Department said the department had ordered about 600 hamburger patties and 200 hot dogs in preparation for their annual burger feed.

“And we’ll probably be pretty close to that,” he said.

The burger feed was also a chance for current and retired firefighters to get together, Krull said.

“Everyone shows up,” he said. “We have a good time grilling.”

The weekend featured a lot of favorite events. Saturday’s free outdoor concert was a big draw, along with the parade, and inflatables and kid-friendly attractions. But there were some new events with community connections in the mix this weekend, as well. Older festival attendees were lining up to try axe-throwing, with Marshall business Wings Axe Company.

“It was awesome,” Jaime Zamaniego said.

Kayden Inyang said he didn’t really have a special strategy or technique as he tried to hit the target with his axe.

“I just tried to throw it forward,” he said.

Another new event — a group bike ride from Marshall to Camden State Park — got its start on Sunday afternoon. Larry Magrath said he brought the idea for the bike ride forward as festival organizers were looking for additional community events.

The group of cyclists started out small, but enthusiastic. Greg and Diane Louwagie said they often used the Camden trail, as part of a local cycling group.

“We’re thankful to have the Camden trail,” as well as a trail route in Marshall, Diane Louwagie said.

While part of Sounds of Summer festivities included celebrating the groundbreaking of Marshall’s planned new aquatic center, it will also mean some temporary changes for next summer’s events. The grounds where the festival has been held for the past couple of years will be under construction in 2025.

“We’re trying to figure it out,” Klaith said. He said Sounds of Summer organizers were discussing ideas for possible temporary locations, like nearby parking lots near Schwan’s and the Marshall Area YMCA.

In the long run, Klaith said, “It will be nice to have the aquatic center.” Having the pool open nearby would add more family-friendly fun to Sounds of Summer.