PALMER — The Quaboag River Music Festival — formerly the Monson Food Truck Festival — will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, from noon to 10 p.m. at the 13th World Fairgrounds, 1701 Park St.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for military or seniors and children ages 12 and under are free. Spend a fun-filled day full of music, food, drinks and entertainment.
The Quaboag River Music Festival is a nonprofit fundraising event for cancer research and local charities. In the past they have raised and donated $82,000. With these funds they have made contributions to: Dana Farber Cancer Research in Boston, Military Care Package Campaign, Monson Senior Citizen Nutrition Program and Monson Polish Club toward a handicap ramp.
Event coordinator Jean Bailey said, “Last year, we had 4,000 that came to Monson. We’re hoping to draw just as many people this year. Our new name encompasses our region as a whole. Our new venue will make this event accessible to all the towns in our region. This is something we put a lot of effort into, and we just want it to be a big success.”
Member Dot Jenkins added, “We have people coming from Monson, Palmer, Wilbraham, Wales, Brimfield and all of Brookfield, so we have a regional area for those to travel, it’s a much-centralized location.” She went on to say, “The town of Palmer has been extremely supportive of these efforts. They have welcomed us with open arms, and it’s certainly well appreciated by our committee.”
Live performances from Jordyn Doyle, Savage Brothers, Exit 8, Quaboag River Blues Band, Trailer Trash and the Good Ole’ Boys. There’ll be food trucks, other food vendors, nonprofits, local artisans and a beer and wine garden supplied by 13th World Fairgrounds. Activities for all ages: corn hole games, inflatables, face painting, bounce houses and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Plus, two donation baskets worth $500. The funds raised this year are earmarked for cancer research, the Palmer Food Share program, Military Care Christmas Package Campaign, Second Chance Animal Services and the American Legion Post 241 in Monson.
“This is a family event,” said Jenkins. “It’s perfect for this time of year in the early fall where kids are back in school, and families get together for a weekend. We feel with the music, all the wonderful things for the children and adults and nonprofits it will be a plus for everyone. This has always been Jean Bailey’s number one priority and without her this event would not happen.”
For further questions, contact, Jean Bailey at 413-896-7078 or jeanandken@comcast.net, Brenda Binczewski at 413-427-4286 or b.binczewski@comcast.net, and Dot Jenkins and 413-530-0958 or jenkindsdp@comcast.net.
