In the charming little town of Frankfort, IL, a big event happens every summer. Bluegrass music lovers and families gather on the Green for a free two-day music festival and activities. Approaching its fourth year, the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival hopes to keep this community festival going for years to come.
A fundraiser supporting the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival will take place on Friday, May 16 from 6-10 pm at the Smokey Barque restaurant (20 Kansas Street) in downtown Frankfort, IL. The fundraiser will feature three floors of music, raffles, split the pot, silent auction, food, and cash bar. Music entertainment will be provided by DOG 1, Sunnyside Up, Bluegrass Escape, and more. There will also be a jamming room where people can sit around and pick together. All proceeds raised directly support the free community festival in July.
“The primary focus of the fundraiser is to raise enough money to pay for this year’s fest,” said Amanda Thompson, festival board member. “We are a 100% free festival. It’s really tough to keep it that way, but we manage to get it accomplished every year,” she said.
“So many festivals cost hundreds of dollars to attend. With economic times like these many people want to go but can’t because they have to pay for necessary items for their families,” Amanda continued. “I too would love to go to festivals more often but as a family of three it would cost me at least $200 just for tickets for most festivals and that doesn’t include, gas, food, and lodging. We want to make Bluegrass music and this festival affordable for all families,” she said.
Community involvement and support is what makes this free summer concert event possible. “I am looking forward to when the fundraiser is in full swing, the place is packed, and good music is being played. It makes me feel like we accomplished the impossible,” Amanda concluded.
This year’s Frankfort Bluegrass Festival takes place July 12-13, 2014 on the Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort, IL. The line-up consists of premier bluegrass bands including Town Mountain, The HillBenders, The Henhouse Prowlers, Special Consensus, Chris Jones & The Night Riders, Milk Drive, Oak Street Ramblers, Eric Lambert & Friends, and more. There will also be music workshops, jamming area, kid’s activities, and vendors with local shops and restaurants around the town square. Learn more, get tickets, become a sponsor, and make a donation to support this great family festival at www.frankfortbluegrassfest.com.
