Committee prepares for fourth annual Fest of All

Date: 6/23/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE -- With new sponsors and returning sponsors contributing more support, the organizers of the fourth annual Fest of All promise an even bigger event.

Fest of All Committee members Robert Liswell and Ray LeHoullier joined Mayor Michael Bissonnette at a press conference for the contribution of $5,000 for the event from James Lagodich, the marketing director of First American Insurance Agency.

The additional sponsorship money allowed the committee to book more bands into the music tent for the festival scheduled to run July 2 through 5 at Szot Park, Liswell explained.

Bissonnette said that 70,000 people attended last year's Fest of All and with the tough economy, he said that it's not unlikely -- provided the weather cooperates -- to see 100,000 attendees this year.

"It's a great 'stay-cation,'" the mayor said. He added that admission, parking and most of the activities are free.

This year's event will feature its first motorcycle poker run on July 5. The ride costs $30 per bike and $20 for a rider. All participants will receive food tickets for the festival, snacks at all the stops and a 2009 Fest of All do-rag.

Another first time event will be a cell phone toss contest. Bissonnette challenged his fellow mayors and elected officials to compete on July 5.

Returning special events include the second junior teen karaoke contest open to area youth age 18 and under. Liswell expects "great participation" thanks to widespread notification of the contest through the city's schools. Singers must sign up by July 1 and may do so at the Parks and Recreation department office at 687 Front St.

The Three on Three Soccer Tournament is also coming back this year. There is a fee of $15 per player and the applications must be received by June 31 to 47 Walsh St., Chicopee, Mass., 10120.

The second annual Cruise Day Show will be July 5 and open to all years, makes and models of classic vehicles. The fee is $10 and applications are available at Don Roy's Auto Body and Appearance Center, 1416 Granby Rd.

The city's fireworks will be part of the festival as well taking place at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.

This year's Committee Chair, Stan Walczak the city's superintendent of Parks and Recreation, said the kid's carnival part of the Fest of All would be larger and have more family activities.

The musical acts include, Black & Black, Black Dog, Goat Ropers, Bon Jersey, Orange Crush, Barely Legal Blues Band, Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze, Soul Sensation, Brass Attack, All American Ban, Prime Time Players, The Jus Us Band and The Radiators.

The Fest of All will feature food booths from area restaurants including Ultimate BBQ, Hu Ke Lau, Quickey's, Murphy's Tailgate, John's Pizza, Millie's Perogi, Bernatz Deli, Papa Gino's, Edible Arrangements and others.

For more information, log onto www.festofall.com.