Ten years ago, Arnold resident Dan Galie was caught off guard by what sounded like live music coming from the streets.

“I walked out the back door,” he said, “and very faintly, I could hear music. I went back in. I went, ‘Hey, I heard music. I’m going for a walk.’ The closer I got to the park, the louder it got.”

The music Galie heard was coming from Roosevelt Park, the home of the annual Rockin’ Roosevelt music festival.

Sunday marks the 14th Rockin’ Roosevelt, and attendees can expect an 11-band lineup when the music starts at noon.

The event, previously run by the Arnold Social and Park Committee, now is shepherded by the new Arnold Recreation Committee, which Rockin’ Roosevelt founding member Lou Downard said was a difficult, but necessary, decision.

“It’s like your baby, you know? But I’m just glad that someone was there, and they were able to step up and carry it on,” he said.

Musicians from throughout the area donate their time to perform, with proceeds going toward park improvements.

Downard expressed gratitude for Arnold officials allowing the festival. He’s proud to be able to give back to the community that raised him.

“Most of us grew up in Arnold or New Kensington,” he said. “Of course, we played (at the park) as children, and our children played there, and we have a point now where our grandchildren play there. I think Arnold gave a lot to us, and I feel really proud to be able to give back.”

Beer now to be offered

Galie, the entertainment coordinator and emcee for this year’s festival, said that although numbers have dwindled over the years, he’s hopeful a newly acquired beer license will draw bigger crowds going forward.

“You know, I don’t want it to end,” he said. “Not yet. … I would like to keep it going for a while longer.”

While the concert series originally was meant to pay for monitors who watch over the park when it’s open, the city has since decided to focus the funds on bettering the park itself.

“We turned our attention to upgrading the swings,” Galie said. “We bought a $6,000 swing for wheelchairs for physically disabled kids.”

While there are no park monitors, Galie said, there have been no problems at past events due to police patrols in the area.

If you go

What: Rockin’ Roosevelt music festival

When: Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

Where: Roosevelt Park, corner of Drey Street and Constitution Boulevard, Arnold

Details: $5 per person entry fee. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. Beer and food vendors will be on hand.