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| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor CHICOPEE This year's Fest of All the third annual city wide "block party" will be a day longer. Members of the Fest of All Committee met on Friday to announce some of this year's activities and tentative schedule. This year's festival will be July 3 through 6 and remains one of the few family and food oriented festivals in the Valley. Scott Chapdelaine, Robert Liswell and Gail Sherman said that although much of this year's event has been set, the organization is still looking for interested vendors and sponsors. Currently about 24 vendors are scheduled and the goal is to sign up 60, Liswell said. Sherman said the event relays the "community feel of Chicopee and its amenities." Admission will remain free and Liswell said prices for food and beverage will also be kept affordable as he works with vendors to regulate prices. He said a family of four should be able to eat a meal for about $30. Food vendors so far include the Hu Ke Lau, Johnny's Bar and Grill, the Munich Haus, Quicky's, John's Pizza, Millie's Perogi, Bernatz Deli, Rumble Seat Bar and Grill, and Doogan's Deli. A beer and wine garden will be open each day. Besides an expanded schedule, there will be more children's activities in a designated children's area. Also new this year will be a three-on-three soccer tournament sponsored by the Moose Family Center. The Fest of All has proven to be a popular summer event and Liswell said that about 80,000 people attended it last year, with the greatest number of people coming for the fireworks display. Financially the non-profit group is in good shape, Liswell reported, as it has paid off all of the investments it has made in start-up equipment during its first two years. If the Fest of All makes a profit, the organization's by-laws stipulate it be used to improve Szot Park, which Liswell described as "the jewel of the city." The schedule includes: July 3: Food and entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. in the morning and go until 9 p.m. The Chicopee Firemen and Patrolman's third annual softball game will be played at 5:30 p.m. in the main field's softball diamond. The Checkmates and Goat Ropers will supply the afternoon music. Szot Park will come alive with a '80 and 90's music night format with bands Jovi & Back In Black headlining together on both stages from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. July 4: "Community Day" will be adding something new this year with New England's top Jimmy Buffet cover band the "Baha Boys" performing at 5 p.m. The Dan Daniels and His No Good Buddy's Band, The Entertainers and The "Jus Us Band" will perform from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. with more great music. It is also be the first day of the Moose Three on Three Soccer Tournament as well as a basketball free throw contest. In addition, a peanut carnival will be presented at the Szot playground area with a variety of kid's games and prizes. The Junior Karaoke Idol Contest will be from 1 to 4 p.m. To enter this new event for the kids, check out www.festofall.com. July 5: This is Family Day and Fireworks night. A charity softball game will also begin at 11 a.m. While families are enjoying the fun, Charter Communications will be handling a more serious need for the community, supplying a free Child I.D. program on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. in the main field. The winner of the Chicopee Firemen and Patrolmen softball challenge will be playing Chicopee School Department employees softball team. Brass Attack will be headlining that evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Barley Legal Blues Band, Donna Lee Country Gang and The Down Five Plus Five will perform from 11a.m. through 6 p.m. with more great music. Events for that day will include the Fest of All annual road race and walk, Legion Baseball with VFW Post 337 vs. VFW Post 452/275. The 3 on 3 soccer tournament will also continue. The city's annual Fireworks display will be presented at 9:30 p.m. July 6: This is designated as Senior & Veterans Day with the Crescents Show Band Reunion headlining for the evening beginning at 5 p.m. New this year is a "Cruz Day" with events such as a car show with awards, a Poker Run and a car parade. The all American tribute band, Remember When, and Soul Sensation will perform from 11a.m. through 5 p.m. with more great music. Sponsors supporting the event include First American Insurance, CELD, Chicopee Savings Bank, Joseph Cebula Corp, Charter Communications, Caolo & Bieniek Associates, Inc. Chicopee Electronics, Labrie & Pouliot, Burgess, Schultz, & Robb PC. and Dufault and Van, NewAlliance Bank, PeoplesBank, and Polish National Credit Union. For more information on becoming a sponsor or a food vendor, call Liswell at 413-478-6867 or visit the Fest of All website at www.festofall.com. |