Geneseo Chamber modifies 2012 Music Fest

The Geneseo Chamber of?Commerce board has made several changes in the schedule of 2012 events.

“The tradition of coordinating successful community events will continue here at the Chamber of Commerce, but we also have a responsibility to our local business community and the economic development of Geneseo,”?said Brian DeJohn, Geneseo Chamber of Commerce executive director.

“The changes being made will allow us to be successful in achieving all of these goals, which is important for the growth of our community,”?he added.

To begin the season, State Street Flea Market will appear as a spring event this year.  Retailers and residents will fill downtown State Street on May 19 to provide a variety of unique items for sale.

One of the most notable changes to the 2012 schedule involves the Music Festival.

The 2012 event will be known as “Music Fest - Fine Tuned.”

“The new name reflects a change to a new two-day Friday-Saturday format,” said DeJohn. “The challenge was to incorporate change, while keeping the traditional components of this event in tact.”  

“This has been a successful formula for other chamber events this past year, including Christmas Walk and Trains, Planes and Automobiles,” he added.

The biggest change surrounding Music Fest will be the absence of an arts and crafts show, which has been moved to Nov. 10.  

The new “Home for the Holidays” Arts and Crafts Fair will be held indoors at the Geneseo Middle School.  

“The new date should provide an opportunity for visitors to find that unique, hand crafted gift just in time for the holidays,” said DeJohn.       

“In a big picture scenario, our goal is to bring people to Geneseo on a more regular basis, rather than just two or three times a year,” he explained.

 To that end, the chamber also introduced three “First Friday” events to the calendar.  Held on the first Friday of the month in July, August, and September, these events will provide the opportunity to enjoy socializing with neighbors, family and friends.  

Despite a few changes, this year’s Music Fest will still provide plenty of food and entertainment, said?DeJohn.

On Friday, June 15th, the City Park will still play hosts to the Rotary supper, ice cream social, and queen contest.  The Kiwanis Doo Dah Parade will be held in downtown Geneseo at 6 p.m. that evening.    

The Maple City 4 Run will kick off the day on Saturday, June 16th at 8 a.m.  Plans currently are being made to host performances in the band shell throughout the afternoon and a pork chop lunch will be available through the Geneseo Ag Alumni from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

There also are plans being made to provide additional family activities throughout the day on Saturday, said DeJohn.

The Music Fest Parade has been moved to Saturday at 4 p.m. and this year’s theme is “Music Makes the World Go Round.”  

For additional information regarding the parade or to register an entry, contact Betsy Brudos at 944-6414.  

At 5:30 p.m., following the parade, a steak supper  will be offered by the Henry County Beef Association.  

Geneseo Communications will host an ice cream social that night, with proceeds going to support the Aisle of Flags.  The committee is currently working on a feature act to perform in the band shell that evening, said DeJohn.

Sunday, June 17th will feature the annual Fly-In/Drive-In pancake breakfast at Gen-Air Park from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“Families are then able to spend Father’s Day in their own special way. We are pleased that the staff members, city employees and volunteers involved with Music Fest will now have the opportunity to spend Father’s Day with their families,” said DeJohn.

For a complete listing of all 2012 Geneseo Chamber of Commerce events, visit the chamber office or www.geneseo.org.