Funds to Support New Village Amphitheater
(Sherrill, NY – July 2013) A day of music, food and fun for all ages is planned again this year in Sherrill and the proceeds will be used for another community project.
The 5th Annual Sherrill Kenwood Park Festival happens Saturday, Aug. 17 from 12:30 to 10:30 p.m. A jam-packed entertainment line-up is guaranteed to please music lovers and families from around the region.
The event is first and foremost a benefit with all proceeds continuing to fund local park development projects. A village shell amphitheater is the goal for the funds from this year and the previous two.
Event chairman Dr. Patrick Costello said the stage will be used for many purposes. Area high schools, colleges and younger can use the theater for concerts, drama productions and graduations. The village can use the stage for future park festivals, concerts and a weekly movie night.
Bands like Los Blancos, Root Shock, the Jamie Notarthomas Band, MOD Trio, and Homely Jones are all new to the festival. Only The Wheel returns from last year’s music line-up.
“This year’s music line-up is entirely new with rock, blues, reggae and jazz acts on the main stage,” Costello said. “Previously, we brought every band back year after year because they had so much fun and the crowd loved them. This year we thought mixing it up would give folks a taste of some other regional talents. People will be amazed at the acts we are bringing in.”
“Our family and children’s stage is also loaded throughout the day with great talent,” Costello said. “This is our second year welcoming children and we offer a lot for them. Once people enter, all the children’s activities are free and the food is very reasonable with each restaurant offering a $1 item. Children’s entertainment, face-painting, a dunk tank, bouncy castles and balloon animals will keep the kids busy throughout the day.” The food has been the highlight of the festival in years past. As with all the previous festivals, a Chinese Auction is planned in the gift tent. This year, items like Syracuse basketball tickets, a plasma TV, fine jewelry and much more will be available for attendees and the winners are announced later in the day.
The Silver Scorcher road race will again kick off the festival. In its second year, this 5K and 10K road race and children’s fun run offers a scenic course and all the runners receive free admission in the festival.
Costello said the first year was a tremendous success with more than 250 runners.
“We felt like this beautiful town, with all its historical buildings and landmarks, was perfect for putting together a special race,” Costello said. “The free festival admission and pancake breakfast after the race help us to compete with any race out there and make it a great event.”
This year’s race starts earlier than last year at 8:30 a.m. The Fun Run follows shortly after at 9 a.m. and is free for all children wishing to participate.
All race and festival details can be found at the website: http://www.sherrillny.org/recreation/sherrillparkfestival/.
For information about how to volunteer to help staff the Silver Scorcher, call Joe Hatfield at 315-264-2055.
Discounted tickets are on sale now at the Sherrill City office and Costello Eye Physicians’ Offices in Oneida, Rome and New Hartford. Adult festival tickets are available in advance for $20 and at the festival for $25 (children’s tickets are $5 advance and $7 on site) and include admission, music, a drink tab and two food items, and all children’s activities.
Food, beverage and auction tickets can be purchased at the festival. All ages are welcome!
For more information about the Sherrill Kenwood Park Festival, visit www.sherrillny.org. Questions? Call 315-761-8108.
Pictured is a concept drawing of the amphitheater.