Music at the Rock Island Music Fest was scheduled from 1 to 8 p.m. Sound checks beginning much earlier, let early birds enjoy glimpses of their favorite bands  and hear samples of their songs.

While the crowd was smaller than hoped for, everything else about the day was perfect. City Park was stunning thanks to the combined efforts of the City of Gerald, the Gerald Development Association and the Rock Island Bloomers.

At least a hundred volunteers were on hand to assist with parking, concessions, seating and performer hospitality. Many out-of-towners who came to enjoy the music, left with a very favorable impression of the little town with the beautiful park.

Co-organizer Cary Parker said the day proved that Gerald can offer first-class entertainment in a first-class venue.

The unseasonably hot sun drove some fans to the small amount of shade offered by trees and canopies.

Josh Wuerffel of Gerald opened the day with his solo act covering many favorite songs. The trees behind the ballfield provided a nice backdrop to the stage.

Pam Setser was on hand to sign autographs and pose for selfies before following Wuerffel on stage.

Then came the crowd favorites—The Malpass Brothers. A van full of residents from Gasconade Manor in Owensville arrived just in time to some whooping and hollering from the duo.

To close out the evening, The Amanda Cook Band took the stage as the moon rose over the tree line. Their music showed why they are fast-rising stars in bluegrass today.

The volunteers were back on the scene early Monday morning.  Within a few hours, all traces  of the Music Fest had been erased from the park. The event was sponsored by the Rock Island Trail East 24 group. Proceeds will be used to further their mission of completing the Rock Island Trail from Gerald to Belle. Friends of the Rock Island Trail (FORIT) were cosponsors.