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Second Fest of All promises to be bigger

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE - Organizers predicted last week that this year's Fest of All would be even bigger and better than last year's successful kick-off.

"This second year we're really going to light up Chicopee," Mayor Michael Bissonnette said.

The community-based celebration, showcasing the city's Fourth of July fireworks, will be on June 29 through July 1 at Szot Park.

At a press conference last week, Fest of All Committee Chair Robert Liswell said that, like last year, this year's edition would be an affordable event for families. He said the committee has been working with food vendors to insure prices are reasonable. A family of four will be able to buy food and drink for $20, he said.

The committee members saluted First American Insurance as the first $5,000 corporate sponsor and Liswell said he hoped other businesses would lend their support. For information on sponsorship contact Liswell at 594-2101.

The sale of Fest of All t- shirts is new this year as a way of raising funds for the event. The shirts sell for $7 and are available at the Department of Parks and Recreation on Front Street.

Also new this year, individuals can sponsor the festival. For $125, an individual or family can get a sign identifying them as a sponsor that will be displayed under the main tent and then will be theirs to keep,

Bissonnette said a reoccurring comment he heard during his campaign for mayor was a desire for a signature community event that would take the place of the former Kielbasa festival.

This year's event will feature:

  • A softball game between the Chicopee Police and Fire Departments with the winner facing the team from WPKX;

  • Performances from Checkmates, Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze, Prime Time Players, Moose and the High Tops, Union Jack, Cotton wood, Diamond Collection, Dave Colucci Band, Rick Kmon Band, Lenny Gomulka & the Chicago Push and Ray Guilmette with the Ray of Elvis Show;

  • A best dessert contest, a best international plate contest and a best Polish plate contest;

  • Bocce games;

  • A road race and walk;

  • Activities and performances for children.


    • Charter Communications will be sponsoring a child identification service that Charter Marketing Administrator Ron Pursey described as one of the most thorough available.

    The kit produces a photo identification card as well as fingerprints and DNA sample. Charter will underwrite the cost of the kit $17 per child for as many children can be accommodated on June 30 from noon to 5 p.m.

    "With the demise of so many other local events, we're trying to regionalize this, "Bissonnette said. "We know how to throw a party. We know how to treat our guests."