Delafield Arts Foundation reports rising attendance, readies fundraising push for Liberty Park concerts

Christine Anderson, speaking for the Delafield Arts Foundation at the July 21 council meeting, told alderpersons the 2025 Liberty Park concert series has drawn notably higher attendance and the foundation is preparing a donor campaign to help fund infrastructure and higher‑profile performers.

The update matters because the summer concerts are a visible community program that draws families to downtown Delafield and requires city support and fundraising to sustain bigger acts and infrastructure. Anderson said some concerts drew hundreds of attendees and that the Eagles concert drew more than 1,000 people.

Anderson gave a rundown of attendance figures for concerts held so far: the Eagles concert had over 1,000 attendees; another show drew about 500; a band called Blue the Band attracted 158 people despite three rain showers; Kids from Wisconsin performed to an audience of more than 500. Anderson said the foundation has received approaches from two professional fundraisers and has secured a pro bono proposal from Parkitecture for infrastructure costs, which helps the group prepare specific “proposal for services” funders want to see before committing large contributions. The foundation plans to begin a donor solicitation campaign, which Anderson described as “the big ask,” and requested that council members support outreach by posting event notices and encouraging constituents to attend.

Councilors and staff offered logistical help: one councilor suggested coordinated promotion via the city’s Park and Rec and chamber networks, and the mayor said the city will support publicity and possible Park & Rec funding discussions. Anderson invited the council and residents to upcoming concerts and thanked the city for past funding support; no formal council action was required.