Weather Doesn’t Spoil Concord Classic Opening Night

The Cornhole Tournament is one of the more popular events at the Concord Classic Weekend. Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV News.

By Jeff Steers
JTV News

(June 25, 2021 10:57 PM) Concord Classic Weekend organizer Matt Lehman was not feeling too confident about hosting the event about 10 a.m. on Friday. 

There was a 100 percent chance of rain and high winds in the area.

But later in the afternoon the weather cleared, the rain stopped, and the Friday night activities were a go.

“We just rolled the dice and went with it,” Lehman said. “We saw a break in the weather later in the afternoon.”

The Concord Classic Weekend has been moved to Gottschalk Park for space purposes. There are more than two dozen vendors at the event this weekend.

Lehman said having a chance to have everything in one place was key for the switch from downtown to Gottschalk Park – a quarter mile west of downtown Concord.

The event raises money for Concord High School.

“We expect to raise about $10,000 for the school, but we put a lot of money back into the festival,” Lehman said.

The event also marks the 150th anniversary of Concord becoming a village.

Lehman – and many others – are probably happy to be outside, greeting friends, without wearing a mask.

“The event just fell into place, and I feel like everyone is just happy to be here,” Lehman said. “This is a (COVID-19) coming out party.”

The Concord Classic Weekend continues Saturday with a car show, bands starting at noon, a 3-of-3 basketball tournament, volleyball, a youth Cornhole tournament, the announcement of Concord’s staff member of the year at 7 p.m., and a $10,000 fireworks show at approximately 10 a.m.

Sunday events feature a fishing tournament at Swains Lake, a bike ride, a two-person scramble at Concord Hills, youth baseball and softball games, live music from noon to 4 p.m., a sand volleyball tournament, and a Euchre Tournament at Concord Community Center.

All outdoor events depend on good weather for the events. For more information go to the Concord Classic Weekend Facebook page.