The Centerville-Rathbun Area Chamber of Commerce is beginning the second year of summer concerts on the square. The series, “Friday Night Live!” will be held on the fourth Friday of the month from May through September on the square in Centerville. The first event will be Friday, May 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. The theme for this month’s event is “Family Friendly Friday” and as a special treat, magician Erik Anderson from Des Moines will perform a stage show just for kids at 7 p.m. There will also be bouncy houses for children.

Similar to events held in many Iowa communities, the events have live music, food and beverages. Admission is $3 for anyone over the age of 12. One free beverage ticket will be given with each paid admission. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The events will target both people visiting the area and residents. “We had great response to last year’s Friday Night Live! events,” said Joyce Bieber the Chamber’s Executive Director. “We always have visitors in town on Fridays looking for evening activities. ”

Social events involving live music are growing in popularity. “We are trying to create social situations that appeal to the 25-40 year old group,” said Russ Ocker, Chamber President. “Of course, people of all ages enjoy the events,” he added.

Different food vendors will be brought in each month. There will be one for-profit and one not-for-profit food vendor. “We thought this would be a good way to promote local businesses and also be a fundraiser for a local organization,” said Ocker. At the first Friday event, Crazy Big Randy’s BBQ will be serving their specialties and the Compassion in Action Relay for Life Team will have a food booth. Trophies Sports Bar is the beer and wine cooler sponsor.