Country Fest Brings Music, Dancing and Community Support to Dalton
DALTON, Mass. — Grab your dancing shoes and get gussied up for Dalton Lions Club's third annual Country Fest fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Stationery Factory.
Attendees can look forward to square dancing with Cliff Brodeur and Terry Hall, line dancing with Tina Mole, country music from Hotshot Hillbillies, Tame the Rooster, Cottonwood and Kollin Kozlowski, a 50/50 fundraiser, and raffles for a chance to win baskets filled with various goods donated by community members and organizations.
All the dancing is sure to tire you out, but the Lion's Club has that covered, too, with Sweet Peas catering the event with wraps and chili.
From dancing to live music, the Stationery Factory's two rooms will be buzzing with activity as visitors enjoy the festivities while supporting Dalton Lions Club programs that give back to the community through scholarships, charitable donations and connections to local resources.
Tickets for the event are $30 in-advance and $35 at the door. More information here.
The Lions Club launched its annual Country Fest fundraiser two years ago, and it has since grown into a community favorite, Robert Bishop Jr., Lions Club entertainment committee member.
Bishop has worked for the Stationary Factory since its inception when Steve Sears purchased the building. The idea of a country festival stemmed from Bishop's conversation with the venue's events manager, Abe Guthrie, and assistant events manager, Lisa Guthrie.
"I think there's a big following for country music in this area," Bishop said.
Since its inception, Country Fest has seen substantial growth in attendance, with musicians already reaching out to participate in next year's event. If the event continues to grow, the nonprofit hopes to make it into a weekend long festival in the future, he said.
Last year, the event had 300 people attend, which raised a little more than $4,000 after expenses, which was put towards their charitable work, Bishop said.
Many attendees come not only for the entertainment but specifically to support the organization and its work in the community, said Paul Tabone, also a member of the entertainment committee.
That support often extends beyond buying tickets, with attendees frequently donating their leftover change or a few extra dollars simply to support the club, he said.
The Dalton Lions Club, a chapter of the international organization, works to give back to the community, from helping those with disabilities, donating to its local food pantry Loaves and Fishes, and more.
The club also donates to organizations such as the flag of remembrance program, Berkshire Talking Chronicle, Clark School for the Deaf, Camp Vision, Pack 42 Boy Scouts, and the Police Department's bike rodeo.
"The people in the community in need, need to feel part of the community. And the people of the community who have, need to feel the need to help," Tabone said.
The need in the community has grown "big time" given the current "shape of the economy," particularly for the food pantry, which the Dalton Lions Club has expanded from once a year to a couple of times a year to meet the growing demand, Bishop said.
The Dalton Lions Club holds about six fundraisers a year, including three concerts such as Country Fest, a golf tournament, and raffles, he said.
Tags: benefit, fundraiser, Lions Club,
