by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
For the second consecutive time, the BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block concert was a big success in the huge parking lot to the south of Bernick’s Ice Arena.
An estimated 1,500 people attended the concert Saturday, Aug. 4. It was the 12th annual Rock ‘n’ Block, which began originally on a lot near Pine Cone Market Place in south Sartell. The Sartell Area Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the event year after year with help from other sponsors, such as the biggest sponsor, BankVista.
This time, the event was a fundraiser for the nonprofit Sartell Fire Department Relief Association.
Concert-goers began to gather as early as 5 p.m. to see and hear two bands – the Fabulous Armadillos, a rock band; and Boogie Wonderland, a 1970s-style costume band.
The Armadillos kicked off the evening with hard-driving rock ‘n’ roll at 7 p.m. just as the sun began to shine on what had been an overcast day.
This year, there was a VIP section as well as a large area where people plunked down their lawn chairs and grooved to the music, many of them jumping up to dance. The concert ended shortly before midnight.
“I thought it was a blast,” said Dr. Carolyn Urbanski. “I was glad to be part of the planning committee. Rock ‘n’ Block was such a good way to get to meet and know people from a wide area. I’m also really glad we partnered with the fire department. They always need the help.”
Urbanski, who works at Imagine Chiropractic, is a board member of the Sartell Area Chamber of Commerce. She, along with many other Chamber members, volunteered at the event.
Chamber member Tim Elness, who is a member of the Sartell Fire Department, is the one who spearheaded the idea of raising money for the fire department’s relief association. The association mainly helps put money into the firefighters’ pension fund.
Near the other parking lot at the arena, the Rock On Trucks company displayed a huge semi-truck with a firefighters’ theme to honor fallen firefighters and to raise awareness for the vital – and often dangerous – jobs firefighters do.
“It was so good to show the firefighters how much people appreciate and support them,” said Nikki Sweeter, executive director of the Sartell Area Chamber of Commerce, the main organizer of this year’s Rock ‘n’ Block. On the evening of the event, Sweeter was one of the many volunteers who made the concert possible. She had also lined up the bands and secured sponsorships.
She noted the fire department has an annual fundraiser, but this year, thanks to Elness’s suggestion, the Chamber and fire department decided to do a joint fundraiser.
“We thought it (the event) was wonderful,” Sweeter said. “There was so much energy there. People kept coming through the gate all evening. During the day, we were really nervous about the weather, but then right as the concert started it turned nice and sunny. That alone seemed to put smiles on so many faces.”
As of press deadline, there was not yet a final tally on the amount of money raised for the relief association.
An audience begins to gather shortly before 7 p.m. Aug. 4 for the 12th annual BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block party concert in Sartell. As the evening progressed, more and more people began to show up for the event.
Four volunteers enjoy a laugh blast as they welcome visitors to the Aug. 4 BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block party in Sartell. Left to right are Sonia Nordmann of Sartell, Carolyn Urbanski of Waite Park, and Kirsten Freeman and Ashley Nieland, both of Sartell.
“Fire Captain” Ben Hengel and his cousins Natalie and Maggie Hengel (right) had a good time at the BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block party Aug. 4 in Sartell. Ben is the son of Jen and David Hengel. David is a Sartell firefighter. The girls are the daughters of Jessica and Steve Hengel, also of Sartell. The concert was a benefit for the Sartell Firefighters’ Relief Association.
Three music fans groove to the music at the BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block party in Sartell. From left to right are Juliet Brutger and Donna Haagenson, both of Paynesville; and Amanda Anderson of Sartell.
Rachel Goerke (left) and Patty Reisinger, both of St. Cloud, enjoy a rousing country-rock song by the Fabulous Armadillos at the Aug. 4 BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block party in Sartell.
The Fabulous Armadillos entertain at the Sartell Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block party in the parking lot of the Bernick’s Ice Arena. The concert was a fundraiser for the Sartell Firefighters Relief Association.
Early birds plunk down in lawn chairs 90 minutes before the BankVista Rock ‘n’ Block party begins Aug. 4 in Sartell.
