Festival is an event everyone can enjoy

Date: 9/28/2009

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW Last year, the festival organized by Chris and Donna Graziano of Graziano Gardens raised $18,000 for the five public schools in town. This year, they aim to reach an even higher goal.

"We've been planning this for at least six months," Chris Graziano said. "We definitely want more people to come out than last year. It depends on the weather ... but I hope people appreciate what we're doing [for the schools]."

Graziano works with the Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) of Meadow Brook, Mapleshade, Mountain View, Birchland Park and the high school to put together the festival, now in its fourth year.

This year the focus has been changed from the day being a Caribbean music festival to being the "Fall Family Music Festival," which Graziano said makes it more "East Longmeadow friendly."

"It'll be a mix of music [this year]," he explained. "It'll reach a broader audience.

"I figured out not everyone likes reggae music," he laughed.

Kate Elmendorf and Lauran Beluzo, both of East Longmeadow, will be singing with the Dan Kane Singers at the festival. Jimmy Buffett tribute band Changes in Latitude will be playing sets, and reggae artists the Anthem Band will also be present. The music will be continuous throughout the festival.

In the spirit of mixing up the music and making the event more family friendly, Graziano said he'll also be hosting "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero" video game contests with cash prizes.

Also new this year will be pumpkin decorating and pumpkin bowling. Returning will be the sand art table, a photo booth, mini train rides for kids, jousting, bounce houses and slides.

New food will be featured as well, including a booth from Starbucks, with all proceeds from that booth going to the schools.

"I want to give a big thank you to Chris and Donna, the masterminds of this organization," Superintendent of Schools Edward Costa told Reminder Publications. "They presented checks [for $3,500] to all five schools last year. When you get a check [in that amount], it goes a long way in giving students additional materials."

Costa continued, "This town rallies around family fun. I'd love to see East Longmeadow always have events like this."

The Fall Family Music Festival is taking place Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Center Field. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door.

"It's worth it," Graziano said of the admission price. "All the money goes right back to the children in our town."