Anonapalooza Family Summerfest to benefit Serenity House
Are you looking for some good old-fashioned "clean and sober" fun?
If so, gather up your family and friends and head to Anonapalooza Family Summerfest 2010.
The event runs noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 31 and Aug. 1, at Good Templar Park in Geneva. (Take North Avenue to 7th Avenue, then head south to the park on west side of road).
This festival celebrating family, music, art and fun is back by popular demand and expanded to two days, after making a successful debut last year with more than 900 attending the one-day fest.
"When we put together the inaugural festival last summer, we weren't sure what to expect," Anonapalooza organizer David Maday said.
According to Maday, the festival started with a small group of volunteers who had and idea for a fun, family-friendly event to help raise money for Serenity House in Addison, which provides counseling, treatment and a living facility for those trying to overcome addiction.
"(The festival) was conceived to help support those recovering from addiction, and those who love and live with them," Maday said.
This year's festival will feature more than 40 musical acts on four separate stages. Maday promises a variety of music genres for all ages including rock, classic rock, hard rock and folk music, and even guitar lessons with guitars and instruction provided.
Even aspiring musicians will have an opportunity to showcase their talents during the open mic segment where you can bring your guitar or use the drums, tambourines, bongos and sound system provided.
Bring your appetite, too, because food and nonalcoholic beverages will be sold at the park concession stand.
Other attractions include a magician, face painting, arts activities such as T-shirt tie-dying and an Art Fair featuring items for sale by independent artists from the Batavia Art League. Additionally, an obstacle course, bag toss, softball, volleyball and many other activities and games are sure make the festival a reasonably priced, local, fun, family outing.
Daily admission is $5 per person. Tickets are available at the gate or in advance at anonapalooza.com, where you also can find a detailed list of activities, sponsors, open mic registration and other festival information. Tickets are also available at Serenity House, 891 S. Rohlwing Road, Addison, or by calling Lisa Snipes at (630) 620-6616, ext. 129.
"It's an opportunity for people to spend the day together yet enjoy their own interests," said Maday, who projects this year's attendance will reach 2,500.
Maday certainly appreciates the many others who have generously donated their time and talents to assist with this fundraiser, which will benefit both Serenity House and Good Templar Park, where a sober life is promoted.
Organizers include Lee and Kimmy Veinot, Alan Tepper, George Flynn, Clint Konoff, and Cliff Tartaglia all of West Chicago; plus Dave Micksch and Dave Lamby of Wheaton. Additionally, all bands and festival staff are volunteering their time to help make this year's event a success.
"Join us for a weekend celebrating a drug- and alcohol-free life," Maday said.
With something for all ages, this event could very well be one your family and friends will rave about for a long time.
• Jenny Casale writes about Carol Stream and community events. Her column appears occasionally in Neighbor.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Anonapalooza Family Summerfest</p>
<p class="News"><b>Why:</b> To benefit addiction treatment programs at Serenity House in Addison</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 31 and Aug. 1</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Good Templar Park, 7th Avenue south of North Avenue, Geneva</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> $5</p>
<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 620-6616, ext. 129, or <a href="http://anonapalooza.com" target="new">anonapalooza.com</a></p>