When Wood Dale’s Sounds of Summer opened last month, organizers were hopeful that residents had marked their calendars for the Tuesday night concert series.

“We did a lot of advertising early,” said Amanda Melone, Wood Dale Special Events Coordinator. “We went for quality — bigger and brighter signs that people would notice.”

And notice they did.

On average, last year’s attendance hovered at 200-250. This year’s first concert had a crowd of more than 350.

“It’s because of the publicity, but I also think attendance is up because we’re offering a lot more preliminary activities this year and different food vendors each time,” Melone said. “Also, everyone thought it was a great location, and they told friends, so even more people are attending.”

SOS started more than 10 years ago as a simple concert in Franzen Grove. Now, it’s in Wood Dale’s Town Square — the corner of Wood Dale Road and Commercial Avenue — and has grown into its own mini-event, complete with family activities, games, dancing, snacks and drinks from local civic organizations and vendors.

“Not only are people enjoying music, but also playing games, meeting neighbors and talking with elected officials who are there each week,” Melone said. “It’s also a good way to hear about other upcoming events around town because we’re all working together on Sounds of Summer so we’re able to cross-advertise what each — the historical society, the Park District, the police department — has going on.”

The fun starts at 6 p.m., with music at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Picnic tables are available, but they go fast, so bring blankets or chairs. Bug spray is also a good idea. Free parking is in the back of White Cottage Pizza, Suburban Bank, City Hall and across from Town Square in city lots.

The next SOS is this Tuesday, July 15, with The Ragtops. The Wood Dale Historical Society will be organizing games for kids, and White Cottage will be the featured local vendor.

At the July 22 show, music by Soul Cookin’ is being paired with food by Sweet Baby Ray’s. Also, a new Wood Dale motorcycle shop, Eagle’s Claw, will be putting on a bike show that already has more than 30 people signed-up. The last SOS concert of the season will be July 29 with the Stingrays. Christy’s Restaurant will host an apple pie eating contest, and Two Chef’s Café and Catering will grill.

The event is supported by the City of Wood Dale, the Wood Dale Park District and Itasca Bank & Trust Co. For information about Sounds of Summer, contact Wood Dale’s special events line at (630) 787-3712 or visit www.WoodDale.com.

In case of rain, concerts will be in Wood Dale Center for Performing Arts, attached to the Wood Dale Junior High, 655 N. Wood Dale Road.

Border Bounding is a weekly column appearing on Thursdays. Ideas and items for the column can be e-mailed to hipychk73@yahoo.com.