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Date: 7/17/2015
HOLYOKE – For years, Celebrate Holyoke was one of the Paper City’s signature events and this year after a decade long break it is coming back.
Executive Director Sigrid von Wendel explained to Reminder Publications the return was the hope of Mayor Alex Morse who proposed having a summer city event last year.
“It seems like a good time to bring it back,” she said of the 10 years since the last festival.
This time, though, there will be a greater emphasis on showcasing area artists and Holyoke community organizations, along with a lengthy line-up of music and food vendors, she explained.
Scheduled for Aug. 21 through 23 in and around Holyoke Heritage State Park, von Wendel said Dwight Street will be closed to allow for additional vendors and the exhibitors will also be placed along the Canal Walk. Near the Holyoke Merry-go-Round there will be an area for activities for children and space for community organizations.
She said the participating artists, community groups, musicians and vendors “run the gamut.”
The musical acts include both regionally known acts as well as local talent, which Von Wendel said was the intent. Among those scheduled to perform are:
• Singer, poet, and actor Flaco Navaja, of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and the Tony-winning Broadway tour of the same name;
• Roomful of Blues;
• Spanish-singing pop sensation Giselle Gastell;
• Dee Reilly and The Nashville Show Band;
• Joe Velez Creacion Latin Big Band, featuring more than 20 musicians;
• Sun Parade;
• As well as Brass Attack, Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze, Jmiel, Banda Criolla Quartet, The Expandable Brass Band, The Knots, The Franny O Show, The Basement Cats, Manuel Silva, Maurice “Soulfighter” Taylor, InterTrip, The Corner Boys, Ireland Parish, John Nowak, Union Jack British Invasion and Juan Carlos.
The festival will be open on Aug. 21 from 4 to 11 p.m.; on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
von Wendel said the festival is still accepting applications “from local food, alcohol and other vendors, including artisans, businesses and community organizations. The deadline is July 24 and applications can obtain an application by visiting http://www.celebrateholyokemass.com/#!vendors/c1lxs, emailing CelebrateHolyokeMass@gmail.com, or by calling 210-5619.
The festival is also still looking for financial support and sponsorships. It has a Gofundme page at http://www.gofundme.com/celebrateholyoke where contributions are accepted. von Wendel said the event is still seeking corporate sponsorships as well and details are available by emailing inquiries to finance@celebrateholyokemass.com.
Volunteers are also needed. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact CelebrateHolyokeMass@gmail.com. Volunteers will receive a food coupon, t-shirt and water.
To follow Celebrate Holyoke on social media there are a number of choices: Instagram (https://instagram.com/celebrateholyoke/); Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/celebrateholyoke2015); and Twitter (https://twitter.com/CelebrateHolyo). Updates are also posted regularly to http://www.celebrateholyokemass.com.