Terrific tunes and tasty fare for a great cause – gearing up for Foodstock

By Mark Weber 

A partnership between the Red Deer Food Bank and the Central Music Festival Society continues to not only spread the joy of music but also helps meet a critical need in the community.

Foodstock runs Sept. 14th.

There will be plenty of food, festivities and a ‘mini-international’ music festival at the Elks Lodge featuring the exemplary talents of David Essig, Nine Second Ride, Rob Lamonica, Laurelle, and the mesmerizing magic of Kyle Key.

The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. and runs through to 11 p.m.

As the Society’s web site points out, ‘Thousands are expected to pack the parking lot with donations (for the Food Bank) while feasting on the Red Deer Food Bank BBQ Crue’s sizzling fare.”

At 7 p.m. the music starts inside and runs through to around 11 p.m. All profits go to the Red Deer Food Bank.

Tickets are $30 each in advance or $35 at the door. Kids aged 12 and under are admitted free when with a responsible adult.

“Our goal for this event is to raise over $5,000 for the Red Deer Food Bank to help meet the demand for the holiday season,” said Mike Bradford, president of the Central Music Festival Society.

“We like to create a festive atmosphere,” he explained, pointing out that stilt walkers will be onsite to showcase their skills as well.

“They will also be giving lessons to interested kids on shorter stilts.”

After everyone eats and takes in the fun outside, the tunes kick off in the Elks Lodge.

“If you look around, and you are in a position to help somebody out, the very basic need for all of us is food,” he added. “That’s what it’s all about.  “So in my mind, it’s just a way of giving back to the community,” he said.  Indeed, it’s a service that is always in high demand as well.  “There is no shame in needing a helping hand.”

The partnership at the annual Foodstock event also led to the Food Bank setting up at Central Music Festival Society shows through the year as well. The Society also matches Food Bank financial contributions dollar for dollar, said Bradford.

To date, close to $9,000 has been raised. “It’s something that has worked out pretty well for both of us! If we can help out, we are glad to do it.”

Feedback from all sides has always been fantastic, he added.

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It’s a rewarding experience for Society volunteers to be a part of and the Food Bank is always very happy for the solid support of course. The musicians are also thrilled to pool their efforts behind such a great community cause as well.

“It’s also about raising the awareness of the Food Bank. Anyone can fall on hard times, and anyone can lend a helping hand.

“We are all human, and we have to get through this life together.”

As for the folks at the Food Bank, they couldn’t be more pleased – or thankful – about this terrific partnership.

“It’s been a tremendous relationship, and it’s been ongoing for a couple of years now,” said Fred Scaife, executive director of the Red Deer Food Bank.

“They invite us to all of their events, too,” he noted, pointing out that Food Bank representatives, as mentioned, are at performances through the year to receive donations from patrons and also make further connections in the community.

“And the shows are always so good!”

But ultimately, Scaife emphasized that it’s partnerships like these that really help to make such a critical difference in the day-to-day operations of the Food Bank.

And with Foodstock, the timing of the event couldn’t be better as food and financial reserves at the Food Bank can be running quite low at that point of the year, said Scaife.  “Not only does it give us an opportunity to solicit some donations that we need at that time of year, it also gives us the opportunity to be in front of the public,” he noted.

Scaife also explained that the consistent support of the Central Music Festival Society is what helps with the unpredictable nature of collecting food and funds through the year for the charity.

“It’s such a good, solid relationship. It’s great for us.”

For more info and tickets… www.centralmusicfest.com