For the first time, starting next week, the village of Carthage will host an Arts in the Park concert series at the new Firesite Park, State Street.

"To me, it's so vital to have a diverse cultural program in these small communities, but it's so costly and difficult to find funding for them," said Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce President Teri L. Ellis. "It's just a whole different form of entertainment for people and is almost nonexistent in rural areas like this."

Each concert will start at 7 p.m. and will end by 9. Seating will not be provided, so anyone attending should bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Wednesday's opening show will be preceded by a downtown clock dedication ceremony at 6:30 p.m. The Frank Sacci Swing Seven will then perform easy-listening tunes from the big-band era. The band includes a trumpet, a trombone, a piano, a bass, drums and saxophones.

On July 16, the Tug Hill Jazz Ensemble featuring Carthage Central School district teacher Daniel Mosher will perform, followed by the Atkinson Family Bluegrass Band from Harrisville on July 23 and the River Rat Rhythm Project steel drum band July 30. River Rat is made up of about 50 people from Watertown, Fort Drum and the Thousand Islands region.

Ms. Ellis said she hopes the series will bring people downtown to visit restaurants and stores. And she hopes the restaurants will become more involved in the future.

"The biggest intention is hopefully to assist local eateries by bringing people there," Ms. Ellis said. "Maybe they will eventually present some specials for that night, or maybe have a themed dish."

An ice cream truck will have cold treats from Roxie's Rocky Road Ice Cream Café during the concerts.

In case of rain, the concerts will be held at the Farmers Market Pavilion on Riverside Drive.