BY ETHEL ESTRELLA

A cool windy evening, as the people of Wood River Valley became accustomed to this spring, welcomed the relaxing setting at Hop Porter Park last week for the inaugural concert in a new Hailey Alive series.

The rhythm of rock and roll and bluegrass provided by the group Boot Juice seemed perfect to accompany the advent of summer that so many had been waiting for after a long winter.

What a good start! Boots Juice took attendees to the dance floor as they danced a homage to summer.

Those who live in Hailey and Bellevue are delighted that weekly summer concerts are now so close to them. Hailey can’t let Ketchum take on all the fun!

The free concerts will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 11, except for July 28.

“This is just perfect, being able to come after work without driving back and forth. Enjoying some beers with friends is what I expect from my summer,” said Yessica, who arrived in town three years ago and has been amazed at the people and beautiful sunsets.

"The music brought me," said Jeremy, who attended with his fiancée Shona and dog Ulysses. "The energy here is mind-blowing.

“I think I found my favorite summer spot,” he added. “I can see school friends I haven’t hung out with in years, co-workers outside work and friends of Shona while Ulysses meets other dogs. This is where I want to spend many afternoons.”

Hop Porter Park was once famous for the Northern Rockies Folk Festivals it used to host.

Those attending the new Hailey Alive series said the musical lineup seems balanced, and that the park has plenty of amenities that add to the concerts, including a children's entertainment section, stage, dance floor, public toilets, recycling areas and food and drink trucks.

The food offerings include freshly baked pizzas, shaved ice, burgers and big warm pretzels, as well as freshly squeezed lemonade and beer.

Boot Juice bid adieu to the evening with a chorus of “Save My Soul” and the audience left amidst hugs as they folded their blankets and headed home to warm themselves.

This week’s concert will feature Hand Trembler.

Others in the lineup:

July 14—Low-Fi

July 21—Water Tower

Aug. 4—Allegedly

Aug. 11—Bread & Circus.