‘Much more than music’: Moose-a-Palooza expands lineup of local bands in effort to help even more kids

Help give children and teens in need a safe home, a quality education and hope for a brighter future by attending the annual Moose-a-Palooza Music Fest and Fundraiser Saturday, Aug. 29, on the grounds of the Batavia Moose Lodge, 1535 S. Batavia Ave.

The band lineup on the two stages will be GNP at 1 p.m., Saint Astro at 2:15 p.m., Head Honchos at 4 p.m., and the Big Al Wetzel Band at 6:30 p.m. on the Masus Financial Main Stage; and the Corey Marshall Band at 1:30 p.m., Sour Crow at 3:15 p.m., The Sociables at 5:15 p.m. and Pawnshop Horns at 9 p.m. on the 212 Degrees Construction Stage.

Admission is $20; children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at bataviamoose682.org/mooseapalooza or stop by the Batavia Moose Lodge.

We checked in with event coordinator Kirk Kilker to learn more about this year’s festival.

Q. What is new or different at this year’s festival?

This year’s Moose-a-Palooza is bigger and better than ever. We’ve expanded the festival to eight local bands performing across two stages, with live entertainment running from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. That gives guests an entire afternoon and evening of great music, food, drinks and fun. The two-stage format also keeps the entertainment going throughout the day and gives festivalgoers even more variety.

Q. How did the festival get started, and how has it evolved over the years?

This is the ninth annual Moose-a-Palooza Music Festival and Fundraiser. The event began with a simple idea: create a fun, family-friendly event that brings the community together while raising money to help support the children of Mooseheart Child City and School.

Over the years, that idea has grown into one of our Lodge’s signature events. Each year, we’ve seen more people attend, with both longtime guests and new faces coming out to enjoy the music and support the cause. What started as an idea has become a tradition that our members and the community look forward to every year.

Q. How do you choose the different bands that play, the food vendors and the other vendors/activities?

We feel strongly about supporting local music and local musicians. The bands performing this year are all from the local area and have strong followings of their own. There is also a special connection between this year’s performers and the Batavia Moose Lodge — each band has some relationship to our Lodge or to the charitable work we support, whether through Lodge membership or another connection to the Moose fraternity.

Rather than simply bringing in acts from outside the area, we love giving local musicians an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a large audience. Food and beverages are provided by the Batavia Moose Lodge and our dedicated volunteers, which helps us keep more of the proceeds working toward our charitable mission.

Q. How many volunteers does it take to put on the fest? Describe the efforts that go into planning it each year.

Planning for the next Moose-a-Palooza begins almost as soon as the current festival ends. We listen closely to feedback from our guests and use their suggestions to make the event better each year.

As the festival has grown, so has the need for volunteers. This year, nearly 75 volunteers will help make the event happen. They are involved in everything from setup and preparing the grounds to working throughout the event and helping with cleanup afterward.

It truly takes a team effort. Our volunteers give their time because they believe in the event, enjoy being part of the community and know that their efforts ultimately help make a difference in the lives of children at Mooseheart.

Q. Do you have any tips for how festivalgoers can have their best experience at the event?

We have an unbelievable venue for an event like this, with plenty of outdoor space and shade where guests can relax and enjoy the music. We recommend bringing your own lawn or bag chairs so you can settle in and enjoy the day at your own pace.

We also encourage people to arrive early as parking is limited. Feel free to use a ride-share service, such as Uber or Lyft, as it makes parking easier and gives you a chance to get comfortable and start enjoying the entertainment from the beginning.

Cash is the easiest way to purchase admission, food and beverages. Most importantly, come prepared to spend the day with us. With eight bands and entertainment running from 1 p.m. through 11 p.m., there is plenty to see, hear and enjoy.

Q. What charities does the festival support?

Most importantly, Moose-a-Palooza is about much more than music. All net proceeds from the festival help the Batavia Moose Lodge support the children at Mooseheart Child City and School. Mooseheart provides a safe home, quality education, caring mentors and opportunities for children and teens who need them most.

When someone buys a ticket, enjoys a meal or beverage, or simply comes out to support the event, they are helping turn a fun day at Moose-a-Palooza into something much more meaningful — an investment in the future of a child.

Q. Anything else you’d like readers to know about the festival?

Moose-a-Palooza is a great opportunity to hear some of the best local bands in the area, enjoy a fun day with friends and family, and experience the incredible atmosphere that comes with a community music festival. But what really makes the event special is knowing that your participation can help change a child’s story and build a brighter future.

We invite everyone to come out, enjoy the music, support local musicians, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Come for the music. Stay for the fun. And leave knowing you helped make a difference in the life of a child.