SunFest is set to return in April

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SunFest draws thousands of people to the West Palm Beach waterfront for a weekend of art and music. COURTESY PHOTO

Art and music lovers missed SunFest.

Fortunately for them, their wait is almost over.

After a two-year hiatus, the festival is scheduled to return from April 29 to May 1 along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach.

As the 38th SunFest comes together, organizers say that while the event has undergone changes and additions over the years, its focus on community remains consistent – more important than ever this year.

“While SunFest started out as a way to bring tourists to the downtown waterfront during the South Florida shoulder season, our focus as a nonprofit has always been to build community. “said Paul Jamieson, executive director of SunFest, in a statement. “As long-time residents and members of the community, our Board of Directors and staff are truly proud to be able to offer our neighbors the opportunity to get involved in SunFest 2022 and give back to our community throughout. throughout the year. ”

With origins like the 10-day Royal Palm Festival, SunFest has grown from a jazz, art and water festival to a more concentrated four-day celebration of music, art and friendship. That said, SunFest 365 serves the community year round, according to the organizers.

SunFest 365’s mission is to reach out to the community with projects that promote or enhance culture and the arts, educating young people, helping other nonprofits, and the environment. Whether it’s offering a scholarship to a musically gifted teenager or an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to use their SunFest volunteer time as fundraising for their group, SunFest is ready to give back.

“As a not-for-profit organization, SunFest’s financial goal is to break even every year,” said Mr. Jamieson. “If revenue is raised, the money goes towards improvements for the festival the following year, replenishing depleted rain funds and community outreach programs. “

Founded in 1982, SunFest is produced by SunFest of Palm Beach County Inc., a private, non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc. consists of a 23-member board of directors; 25 commissions; over 2,800 volunteers; a team of 4 people full time all year round; and around 80 corporate sponsors. Sun-Fest is funded in part by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council through the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. SunFest is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, the State Department, the Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Arts and Culture Council.

Many SunFest 365 programs are made possible through grants from the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture. One of its most popular programs with non-profit organizations in the region is the Helping Neighbors program. Each year, SunFest donates tickets to local charities for distribution to people who might not otherwise be able to attend the festival. Since the creation of the Helping Neighbors program, Sun-Fest has distributed thousands of tickets to underserved populations. The program is underwritten by Florida Power and Light Company and applications are available at www.SunFest.com/sunfest 365. The deadline to request the limited number of tickets is March 11.

In addition, SunFest is calling for volunteers to join the team of over 2,000 people who are running the event not only from April 28 to May 1, but also at events and activities throughout the year. year. Volunteers receive benefits such as free admission and free parking on the day of their volunteering; free food and drinks before or after their event shift, and an official SunFest team t-shirt. Volunteers who work Thursday or Friday also get a free day at SunFest any day after their shift day.

“Team SunFest is at the heart of our event,” said Mr. Jamieson. “During a recent Clematis by Night to Sun-Fest countdown, we honored our volunteers and asked them to come in wearing a t-shirt from a past event. It was great to see their enthusiasm and how many years they have been part of our family.

To learn more about SunFest 2022, volunteer opportunities, and application guidelines for the Helping Neighbors program, visit www.SunFest.com or call 561-659-5980. ??

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