Harry Fest 17 Sets New Records!
Blue skies and warm sunshine greeted over 2,400 attendees at Harry Fest 17 on Saturday, May 30th, allowing the grass roots organization to set new records for both attendance and revenues of over $ 22,000.
“This is the vision we had when we started Harry Fest and now the fruits of our labor are paying off,” said HSF President Matt Adams. “Today was five years in the making and a lot of hard work by some very dedicated volunteers and the amazing support of our partners and local communities. Our expenses this year were a bit higher as we built a stage and invested in items for our silent auction. The good news is we will be able to use the items for years to come and greatly minimize our operating costs.”
A volunteer crew led by Nate Cremeans, Matt Adams, Jeff Hudson, Rene Meave, Darrell Miner, and Ritch Harrison took on the task of constructing a 16’ x 24’ stage that could be used for the event and also disassemble for easy storage when not in use. The majority of the work was accomplished over a seven our period and the help of Home Depot in Plainwell, MI.
Harry Fest 17 featured over seven different rides and attractions, live music from eight area bands, festival foods and beverages, balloon twisting, a silent auction, rock band and fun photos courtesy of Big Lyle’s in Otsego. The face painting station was handled by the Ahlin family who made the nine hour drive from Hudson, Wisconsin. One of the new attractions to Harry Fest this year was comedy in the Bittersweet Lounge, and based on the attendance and abundance of laughter, it will be back again next year.
The proceeds from Harry Fest 17 will go to scholarships, First Day Shoes, and $ 10,000 will be divided to six area school band programs. Otsego High School won the top award of $ 5,000 for “Harry Stout Rocks” by having nearly 400 attendees! On their heels were Vicksburg ($ 2,000 award), Mattawan and Kalamazoo Christian ($ 1,000 each) and Kalamazoo Central and Gull Lake ($ 500.00 each)
“The money raised from Harry Fest will go directly to the causes the foundation supports and because of our success, we will able to give more next year” said Mr. Adams. “One thing that shouldn’t be overlooked however is the importance of the event itself. We could easily charge an admission, charge more for food, tee shirts and the rides, but we feel the impact this event has on people is one of the greatest things we can do for the local community. Keeping it family friendly and affordable makes the event doable for anyone, and that is paramount to our mission… “Loving, giving, smiling….like Harry.” Helping others and giving shouldn’t just be a one day event. Our objective at Harry Fest is to help people realize how fortunate they really are and to appreciate the wonders that surround them. If they can take a piece of that home with them and share with others, then the full scope of the spirit Harry Stout left us is in full bloom.”
Plans are under way for Harry Fest 18 and although some special ideas are being considered, Mr. Adam’s say’s the blue print is in place.
“We are always looking to expand our scope of giving and if we can align with the right partners for a win/win situation that will help more people, we will pursue it. We would like to find a partner that could help us with sports equipment for area schools, much like a sister program to Harry Stout Rocks, but as far as how the event goes, we are very pleased with where we are. The auction will grow, comedy will grow and the Poker Run will grow, and therefore so will Harry Fest.”