Party in the Park will feature a slightly different format and an amazing lineup of artists this year, says entertainment coordinator Trevor McDonald.

"It's going to be the biggest and best yet," he said.

Party in the Park kicks off next Friday night in Central Community Park, on July 10 at 5 p.m. with the live music starting at 7 p.m.

"We brought Trevor on board this year as we recognized that he represents a broad spectrum of musical talents in this community," said Ken Popov, Downtown BIA president. "We knew that with his energy and passion for the music scene, he would bring our event to the next level.”

McDonald said Long & McQuade Chilliwack is supplying all on stage gear for performers free of charge as their donation to the community event located in the park near the corner of Young Road and Victoria Avenue.

"We have about 23 bands booked for the Coast Capital Stage this year," said McDonald. "Three different bands per night, all with different styles to suit everyone."

Mike Evans and Go Audio will once again be doing the sound, with Cal Rempel providing the stage.

"One of the bands each Friday night will continue the party after their set of music over at the Vault Pub," he said.

McDonald has launched a Chilliwack Musicians CO-OP scholarship fund to award one male and one female student from Chilliwack Senior Secondary School a $1000 scholarship to pursue a career in the arts.

"To do this, all the performers playing on these nights agreed to work for a smaller fee each evening. So without their generosity, this would not have happened," he said.

The grand finale night will be August 28.

Here's a brief list of the bands booked for the first few weeks of Party in the Park:

July 10 - The Blendurz, The Hornets, Pardon My Striptease

July 17 - Murphy's Lagh, Blonde Sonya, Lazy Susans

July 24 - Whiskee Jack, Head Over Heels, Whitey