Rockin’ out at Esther Short Park

Sean Holmes, a singer for the band Five Guys Named Moe, helps kick off the Summer Concert Series at Esther Short Park on Thursday. Concertgoers enjoyed beautiful weather and a new beer garden during the series opener. (Zachary Kaufman/The Columbian)

Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall, dressed in black and with large orange flames tattooed on his right arm, Steven Gray, 33, was an imposing figure as he worked security for a large concert crowd Thursday evening at Esther Short Park.

As the pop and dance band 5 Guys Named Moe belted out funky songs like "Chain of Fools" and "Dancin' in the Street" on the main stage, the muscular Gray was posted inside the fenced-off area where beer and wine were being served.

It was the first time alcohol was served at the popular Thursday evening Six to Sunset free concerts, and organizers were taking no chances.

But the folks who paid $5 each to get into the beer and wine zone were hardly troublemakers, Gray said.

"Good people," he said. "Thankfully, they are adults who can have a few beverages, go home and be safe."

Even better, proceeds from the sales go to the Hough Foundation and the Parks Foundation, both worthy causes, said Scott Miller, a member of the Hough board.

The Hough Foundation gives its money mostly to help low-income children, including to make sure all the kids at Hough Elementary School get a breakfast, and pays for a kindergarten teacher, Miller said.

Making it a win-win-win, folks were having a great time.

"It's awesome," said Mike Farrell of Ridgefield, who was standing in line to buy a salmon caesar salad at the Gray's at the Park Bistro & Bar stand. "The atmosphere, the band, the location."

Outside the beer area, a crowd estimated at 5,000, the biggest in memory, was enjoying the fun, said Cara Cantonwine, Vancouver's program and events coordinator.

As kids walked by eating ice cream, parents pushed baby carriers and folks lounged on blankets to hear the music, it was a huge success.

In a sea of colorful folding cloth chairs, Carrie Weaks' $65 orange Renetto stood out, equipped with a canopy, an extended leg support and cup holder.

"First time I've been to a concert in the park," she said. "It's a lot of fun, and I get to use my chair."

Yoshi, a tiny black and white poodle mix, jumped onto Claire Cano's lap and was given a bite of her hamburger.

Food of all kinds was represented at booths.

And as everyone else chatted, strolled and played leisurely, petite, gray-haired Donna Buchanan was getting a sweaty workout as she used a 4-foot long wooden pole to stir hot oil and popcorn seeds in a massive steaming caldron.

Buchanan, who wore a large helmet with a screen to protect her face from hot stuff, was brewing up Humdinger Kettle Korn.

"A lot of elbow grease," she said between cooking and taking customers' money. "It's the main ingredient besides the corn."

John Branton: 360-735-4513 or john.branton@columbian.com.