The kickoff of the summer concert series hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation coincided on June 25 with the launch of the Summer Reading Program at the Merrimack Public Library, as displayed here in front of the town bandstand at Abbie Griffin Park by concert celebrants, from left, Emma Colmary, MPL librarian, Tom Knight of Tom Knight Puppet Shows, based in Conway, Mass., and Jenny Devost, MPL librarian. Courtesy photo

MERRIMACK – A children’s concert featuring Tom Knight Puppet Shows was sponsored by the Friends of the Merrimack Library to kick off the start of the library’s summer reading program and highlight the first of the eight Thursday Night Live 2026 Concert Series, sponsored by Merrimack Parks & Recreation. Performance artist Tom Knight, a resident of Conway, Mass., is renowned regionally for bringing puppet shows, music and comedy to schools and public events to stimulate kids’ interests in music, art, dance and reading.

Merrimack Public Library (MPL) staffers Emma Colmary and Jenny Devost, whose domain is the Children’s Library housed at 470 Daniel Webster Highway, frolicked along with Knight in entertaining children of all ages.

“It’s so great to run around and play with the community,” said Colmary of the event.

“It’s important to have an enthusiastic kickoff concert to motivate the community for literacy and coming together, not just for the summer but all year long,” added Devost.

Merrimack Parks and Recreation Director Matt Casparius was on hand to greet the first of the ample crowds that traditionally populate the summer music series. Other concerts grace the schedule of eight musical presentations, events presented at 6 p.m., Thursdays, at Abbie Griffin Park, 6 Baboosic Lake Road.

Thursday, July 2 — Studio Two: Beatles Tribute Band.

Thursday, July 9 — The Band from U.N.C.L.E., rock, blues, soul.

Thursday, July 16 — Rich Smiddy, hits through the 1970s.

Thursday, July 23 — Lexi James, country music vocals.

Thursday, July 30 — River Road Band, vintage radio hits.

Thursday, Aug. 6 — The Reminisants, oldies through the ’90s.

Thursday, Aug. 13 — Sammy Haynes, favorite sing-alongs.

Casparius notes that the bandstand at Abbie Griffin Park is a central meeting place for summer fun and many families bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and snacks to enjoy during the gatherings on the park’s lush green lawns.

More information on the summer concert series and a wealth of other events ongoing through Merrimack Parks & Recreation is available online at merrimackparksandrec.org.