Grey skies and a gloomy forecast caused Charleston’s Red, White and Blue Days a weak start Friday afternoon as vendors and activities were set to begin at 1 p.m.

The Morton Park baseball field was halfway filled with lawn chairs from those who chose to come early using their chair to reserve a spot for the 8 pm Jo Dee Messina concert.

Forgotten Highway was set to perform 90 minutes before Messina.

The only activities going on were a crew of workers setting up the stage in right field of the ball diamond for the evening’s performances.

Four vendors were set up with two in the east pavilion and two in the west pavilion. Each table had multiple workers selling mostly simple foods like hot dogs, sweet corn, pork rinds and lemon shake-ups for a refreshment.

There were a couple different canopies set up for people selling handmade crafts and paintings.

The majority of the people who were in the park were with their kids using the playground equipment on the west side of the park without partaking in any Red, White and Blue Days happenings.

Attendance and participation rises through the weekend especially after the weather heats up and dries off.

Morton Park sits in almost in the dead center of Charleston, but lacks parking for those who do not live within ideal walking distance.

The fairgrounds have more ideal parking, but is where the Coles County Fair is held along with the temporary display of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute wall as part of the Fourth of July weekend for Charleston.

The park is closer to student living than it is to most of the residents who live Charleston year round.

The annual festival wrapped up after fireworks at the Coles County Airport Saturday night.

Jehad Abbed can be reached at 581-2812 or Jaabbed@eiu.edu