Spirited Community Comes Together for Fairport Music and Food Fest
After four years of exponential growth, the Fairport Music and Food Fest has become one of the most anticipated community fundraisers of the year. With 20 bands and entertainers, food vendors galore and numerous kids’ activities culminating at the end of the summer along the Erie Canal, who wouldn’t want to attend this annual knock-out fundraiser?
This summer favorite has become increasingly popular, with an ever-growing cohort of volunteers and attendees. Every year for the past four years, the event has broken its record in funds raised for the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Golisano Children’s Hospital, adding up to more than $150,000.
Event organizers of the fest have received the 2009 Miracle Maker Award for Outstanding Commitment by a Community Group for their ambition, enthusiasm and the impressive amount of community support they’ve garnered for the event. Co-organizers Andy McDermott and Rob Burch spend about 10 months a year planning for the annual festival. The two are joined by about 10 committee members, who usually help plan from the beginning of January until the day of the event. Roughly 170 volunteers jump in as the festival approaches, including Fairport scout troops, sports teams, high school students and many other dedicated supporters.
The festival will take place from noon to dark Saturday, Aug. 29, at Lift Bridge Lane in Fairport. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children under 12 get in free. For more information on this year’s festival, visit www.fairportmusicfestival.com.