Jim Varhola spent a lot of his youth in playgrounds around his home in Springdale.

“That’s what we did — we played soccer, softball, football. I don’t know what I would have done without the parks we had,” said Varhola, of Upper Burrell. “It’s important to have those things available to the kids and keep them staffed and clean and safe.”

That’s a reason why Varhola’s band, The Shiners, is in the lineup for the annual “Rockin’ Roosevelt” fundraiser at Arnold’s Roosevelt Park on Sunday, June 5.

Eleven acts are scheduled to appear, playing half-hour sets beginning at noon and ending at 8 p.m. with 15 minutes between acts. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m.

New Ken-Arnold Social in the Park has held the event since 2013 and every year since, with the exception of 2020 because of the covid pandemic. Admission is $5 per person — the same as it has always been.

Organizer Lou Downard said they considered increasing the price to $10 but decided against it.

“I’d rather see more people there,” he said. “I love seeing people there, especially families. That park is the jewel of the city of Arnold.”

Proceeds, usually $2,000 to $3,000, go toward keeping the park open during the summer. In addition to music, there will be food vendors, crafters and a 50/50 raffle.

Those attending are advised to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Attendees will have their hand stamped and be able to come and go.

Music genres covered include indie rock, Christian contemporary, blues, hard rock, heavy metal, rock ‘n’ roll, and southern rock, Downard said.

“Every year we try to get a mix,” he said. “We like changing it up.”

Four in this year’s lineup — Risen to Save, Miss Freddye’s Blues Band, Big House Pete and Elias Khouri — performed in 2021. Those appearing for the first time are TKO, Loose Change Trio and Curtis & the Shakerz.

The Epics, who performed in 2021 and were scheduled to return, had to bow out and have been replaced by Heidi & the Hellcats.

None of the groups is paid.

Varhola said they do numerous charity events every year.

“You got to give back to the community that supports you, that’s the way I look at it,” Varhola said. “There’s always kids there having fun. That’s what it’s all about. When you see them out there enjoying the park, it’s nice to know you maybe helped a little bit to have that for them. It’s a great feeling to see the kids out there having fun.”

Heidi Oskin and her husband, Jason, of New Kensington, started Heidi & the Hellcats in 2012. The classic rock group has played every Rockin’ Roosevelt event since its start.

Oskin remembers playing at the park as a child when she would visit family in Arnold in the summer.

“I kind of grew up in that park. I always look forward to playing there,” she said. “That half hour, it’s a lot of energy for a short amount of time. We’re excited to see familiar faces and to just be performing close to home.”

Varhola and Rob Keller, both guitar players, started The Shiners in 2012. Varhola said they play “a little bit of country, a little bit of rock and a little bit of everything we grew up with.”

Keller, of West Deer, was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in North Carolina in 2020.

Because of his internal injuries, Keller’s doctors didn’t clear him to sing again until April this year, Varhola said.

“We’ve been going strong since he was cleared in April,” Varhola said. “We’re kind of getting back to normal.”

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