Plans are underway for the 2013 Community Advocates Ribfest and the planning committee is working to design a festival that will celebrate ribs and music while raising money for The Arc Community Advocates. Last year was challenging and the event lost $45,000, so this year is critical and the ability to raise money couldn't be more important. Up until now, Ribfest has raised $925,000 and so our goal is a $1,000,000 in 2013.
One of the new improvements is we will be hosting a Pop-up Vendor Row on Saturday, August 3 where one day food vendors can be a "food vendor" and see if this is what they want to do for a profession or a summer job. This is a food festival so it makes complete sense that we would want to help vendors learn the "ropes" and try it at Ribfest.
One of our favorite aspects of Ribfest is the Marketplace Tent. This is where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can sell the work that they have developed. The artwork and crafts are wonderful and they provide such a great way to support our young entrepreneurs. If you know of someone who would like to be an artist in our tent, please let us know.
We hope that the entertainment is something our attendees look forward to see at Ribfest. The committee is currently sending out bids to national acts. If you have some suggestions, post them at our Facebook - we will tell you what their asking price is (you would be so surprised). If you are interested in being a featured band, there is a form to complete and that will be posted starting March 1 when bands are invited to apply. The band application will be available under the entertainment tab, or you can email us at deb@eventkalamazoo.com.
Sponsorships are the key to the success of Community Advocates Ribfest. Sponsorships has its privileges and so if you liked the look of the VIP tent last year, it will be better this year - start the conversation at your work to encourage them to be a t-shirt sponsor, which starts as low as $350.
Stay in touch, keep checking our Facebook, we are working to share information, offer free stuff, and give out cooking tips. Community Advocates Ribfest, your connection to all things, ribs, entertainment, and just plain fun.
