Songs of Summer Festival

The Songs of Summer Festival is scheduled for August 15th in Memorial Park on Lake Ripley. The gates will open at 4 p.m. and there will be music from 3 different acts beginning at 5 p.m.

Sarah Jones says the local band South 40 will get things started, and Michael Shynes will be returning, followed by the Fabulous Armadillos who will play until 11 p.m. She says they received a lot of great feedback about the event being in Memorial Park last year, despite the rain – with the handicapped parking, restrooms, playground and splash pad for the children and lots of great food vendors.

Jones says they accept freewill donations with the proceeds going to youth-related groups in the community. She says last year, funds went to the Litchfield Area Mentorship Program, the 4H Equestrian Club and St. Philip’s School.

Amanda Nelson says non-profit groups that benefit youth in the areas of health and wellness, mental health, safety and education have until June 1st to apply for a grant from this year’s festival. She says the event is made possible each year with the help of lots of great sponsors and there is already a long list of sponsors for this year’s Songs of Summer Festival.

Nelson says they’ve given out $15,000 in the past two years to youth-related non-profit organizations. She says any groups interested in applying for a grant may contact her at amandasosf@gmail.com.