Springtime in Madison means many things. It means the end of frigid winter temperatures (usually, anyway), graduation for some of us and making plans for the summer.

Springtime also means that WSUM’s annual Party in the Park is just around the corner, and this year’s lineup should definitely live up to the festivals of years past.

Just announced, this year’s Party will be held Saturday, April 26 in James Madison Park on Lake Mendota. Although last year’s event was plagued with weather difficulties that forced many of the musical acts to either be pushed into tents or cancelled, the student radio station hopes that this year’s weather will cooperate.

According to a press release, Party in the Park began in 1998 “in order to show the station’s appreciation to its listeners.” Over the years, the event has included bands as varied as garage-rockers The White Stripes and ska band I Voted for Kodos. Disc jockeys have also been included in the lineup.

The 2003 Party in the Park headlining band lineup includes favorites Wookiefoot, Bongzilla, Psychadelic Breakfast, Ulu, Big Fat Ass, Sweet Potato Project, Speech Writers, Buddah’s Belly and Dog & Everything. In addition to the bands, WSUM plans to show a movie at night.

The real kicker to this annual event is that it’s free. It’s also organized, run and coordinated by students. There is no need to pick up tickets, but if you’d like to volunteer to help with or sponsor this year’s Party, stop by WSUM studios, 602 State St., or visit the station’s website at wsum.wisc.edu.

WSUM presents Party in the Park Saturday, April 26 at James Madison Park. Watch the Badger Herald for more information in upcoming weeks.