Acts locked in for Party in the Park

With less than three months before the annual summer event, Creston Parks and Recreation have officially chosen acts for Party in the Park 2025.

Kansas City-based Carl Worden Band will start out the night, followed by Elton John tribute group Elton Dan and the Rocket Band.

Party in the Park won’t be the first time Carl Worden plays in Creston this summer. He’s also set to play with his wife Vicki at Fridays After Five June 13.

According to their website, the Carl Warden Band’s music “captivates audiences with its raw intensity and poignant lyrics, showcasing a dynamic blend of folk rock and rock. Music lovers have come to love him because of his unique style and moving performances.”

While the Carl Worden Band was decided on earlier in the year and approved by Creston City Council on April 1, parks and rec were still waiting to see if Elton Dan and the Rocket Band would be feasible.

Elton Dan has been performing since 2015, visiting 38 states and planning a world tour for 2026. Elton Dan and the Rocket Band try to encompass the full Elton John experience, including “magical piano playing, over-the-top costumes and infectious energy that will make you believe you are seeing Sir Elton John, up close and personal.”

Extra equipment requirements for Elton Dan meant the board had to look beyond their usual audio equipment.

To accommodate their audio and light needs, parks and rec are working with Iowa Sound to have a complete sound set, similar to what was used when rock band Molly Hatchet performed in 2022.

Between the two bands and Iowa Sound, the cost for this year’s Party in the Park is higher than normal. Elton Dan will cost about $6,000, while the Carl Worden Band is $1,800. Iowa Sound will cost the group about $8,000 including tax, though parks and rec member Todd Kinkade thinks he can bring the price down.

“We don’t have to pay taxes on that, and it’s probably going to be a little bit less than [$8k] as well because we can probably take off the risers and things like that that we already have,” Kinkade said.

In addition to these fees, parks and rec have to incorporate the expense for advertising and hotel for the bands. This could cause the entire event to have an almost $20k price tag.

However, the board isn’t too worried about the cost. Along with selling tickets for Party in the Park, parks and rec are the benefiting non-profit for Fridays After Five, though this time on Thursday, July 3.

“Last year we made quite a bit of money just selling beer sales,” Kinkade said. “Last year we made $1,200 on beer sales. That was without vans or anything else; we’ll make more than that on beer sales this year.”

While the park board has decided on the bands, Elton Dan and Iowa Sound must still go before city council for approval.