The Jefferson City Area YMCA will be hosting its third annual "It Takes A Village" Music Festival on Friday at the Highway 63 Soccer Complex.
This family-friendly outdoor event assists with the cost of tuition for children to attend the YMCA summer camp.
"Jefferson City is our village and it takes all of us to help our children so that they can further the future of our community," said Shelly Poire, YMCA Director of Development and Marketing.
The summer camp program seeks to enrich the lives of the children involved. Through different activities including physical activity, character building and art projects, campers get the chance to spend the day away from home with their peers in a safe setting.
Each summer, there are at least 100 children who need financial support to attend camp, according to Poire.
In addition, while children are having fun at camp, their parents can continue working and they also receive what may be their only hot meal of the day.
The music festival began as a way to meet fundraising goals that had taken a hit during and following the pandemic. With the engagement of community partners, the event can be made possible.
"Jefferson City businesses continue to be so good to the YMCA," Poire said. "They have been very generous both in helping us get the funds raised, but by also donating their time."
The festival will begin with a performance by "Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos," featuring prepared music and a time for audience requests. Artist Tiff Wignall will be available for face painting and Gerry Tritz will provide magical entertainment.
While enjoying the weather and atmosphere, you can get dinner from the Pizza Kwik food truck. Beverages on tap will include selections from Bar Vino and Last Flight Brewing Company as well as Fechtel/NH Scheppers products.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and entertainment will start at 6 p.m.
Tickets are for sale and can be purchased for an early bird rate up until noon Friday at any of the three YMCA locations. Tickets in advance cost $20 for those ages 16 and older (or five for $75), $10 for ages 6-15 and children ages 5 and younger are free.
At the gate, tickets increase to $25 for those ages 16 and older (or five for $100) and remain $10 for ages 6-15 while children ages 5 and younger remain free.