For the last four years, Skip Bond and the Fugitives – the popular local cover band fronted by Warren Circuit Judge Steve Wilson – has set records for audience attendance at the Concerts in Park Series downtown.

Last year, 3,000 people attended.

“I think people look forward to their performances,” said Heather Williams, director of special events for the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, which sets up the series.

Skip Bond is hoping this year will be no different as they take the stage on Main Street on Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We’re going to set up a stage under the Capitol marquee,” Skip Bond founder Tommy Holderfield said, “so it will hopefully open it up and give more room for everybody and make it like a street dance. And with the judge, you never know what will happen.”

There will be other surprises as well.

“Tell ’em to be ready,” Holderfield said.

The free concert will be the last in the 26th annual Concerts in the Park Series.

Williams said he thinks it will be a hit.

“We’ve had a lot of inquires about this concert, so I think attendance will be good,” she said.

Attendance for every show in this year’s concerts season has been better than it was last year.

“An average of 1,500 to 2,500 people have come” to the Friday evening shows, Williams said.

Williams thinks more people are coming to the concerts because “people hear good things from others who attend.”

The shows are geared toward the whole family.

“I just think it’s a great event for Bowling Green,” Williams said. “It’s a nice family event that people can come out and enjoy for free.”

Food will be sold at Friday’s concert by Big Apple Deli, The Brickyard Cafe, BBQ Inn, Doggie Dog Hotdogs and Chaney’s Dairy Barn.

Children’s face painting and crafts projects will be provided by Goose Creek Arts & Crafts. Party 1 Superstore will provide inflatables.

The public is welcome to bring a blanket or lawn chair to make their evening more comfortable.

Holderfield wants a big crowd to come out.

“This is our all-time favorite thing to play,” he said. “It’s just a chance to let everybody have a big time. … Most of the time we’re playing things that (require) admission charges, and that kind of restricts who comes and who doesn’t. This is free and open to the public and we try to put on an extra good show.”

Concerts in the Park is presented by BB&T and sponsored by English, Lucas Priest & Owsley and Leachman Motors. Additional support comes from Morgan Keegan & Co., J.B. Distributing, Western KY Coca Cola, Insight, ReMax Real Estate, Crye Leike Realty and Scott Waste Services.

– For more information, call 782-0222.