WAMMfest 2014: Dancin’ in the Streets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writer  /  Frieda Dowler

Callin’ out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat? Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the streets.

The biggest block party of the summer is right around the corner on the calendar. August 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Greenwood Sertoma Club will host WAMMfest in Craig Park for the sixth year in a row. All day long, local wineries, artists, musicians, microbreweries, and food vendors will provide everything you need for enjoying a day outside with friends and neighbors. Everything, that is, except a lawn chair. So be sure to bring one if you plan to stay all day.

All we need is music, sweet music, There’ll be music everywhere… They’ll be swingin’ and swayin’ and [music] playin’ and dancin’ in the streets.

The continuous music sets the pace for the day, beginning at 12 noon with bands playing back to back on stages set opposite one another. Veteran attendees need to know the festival layout has changed with the stages rearranged to accommodate a larger crowd. Look for signs and maps at the entrances for this year’s layout.

The variety of music appeals to all tastes. Several favorite local bands will entertain and everyone will find a song they can sing along with. Motown released an iconic song in 1964 by Martha and The Vandellas that describes the mood that the music sets for the day. It will tempt even the most reluctant to join in the fun…swingin’, swayin’, and dancin’ in the streets.

  • 12 noon – Blue River Band – country
  • 1:30 p.m. Woomblies – rock and roll
  • 3 p.m. Toy Factory – R&B dance band
  • 4:30 p.m. Tight Rope – classic rock
  • 6 p.m. Living Proof – “a healthy dose of Earth, Wind, & Fire with a side of Black-eyed Peas!”

This is an invitation across Greenwood-nation…A chance for the folks to meet.

The Sertoma Club of Greenwood extends an invitation to all. Chairperson Joyce Nies of Van Valer Law Firm says, “This fundraiser event has filled a long-awaited experience for our community. It has surpassed what we even imagined.”

Sertoma is an acronym for Service to Mankind and exists as a fundraising organization. They intend to distribute the net proceeds from WAMMfest back to the community, to youth, individuals and community organizations. It makes the day even more satisfying to know it’s for a good cause.

Co-chair John Reames would like to acknowledge all the people of the city of Greenwood, from top to bottom, for their cooperation in making this event happen. “The enthusiasm from the mayor, police, fire department, and parks department makes this truly a community event.”

Last year an estimated 6,500 attended this “festival for a cause.” This year the crowd may increase to 8,000, but the 27 acres of Craig Park can easily accommodate that many people. This well-planned event, with over 75 volunteers, has a handle on how to make it happen smoothly.

In 2009, the first year of the festival, there was unseasonably cool weather. The second year, it was rainy. So the sponsors decided, come rain or shine, the event will go on as scheduled. There is even a storm evacuation plan in place if necessary. There will also be law enforcement personnel keeping an eye on things.

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Oh, it doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there…So come on, every guy grab a girl, everywhere around the world.

You may see the guy from the bank who wears a suit, wearing Bermuda shorts with a tropical shirt and Tommy Bahama hat. Or the grocery clerk who normally wears the red shirt and khaki slacks may be in a fashionable maxi dress with a straw fedora. Whatever your vibe, it’s the place to see and be seen.

This event truly brings our community together for a relaxed day in the park. You’re sure to see someone you haven’t seen in years or someone you only see occasionally. Take a minute and catch up. It may be next year at WAMMfest before you see them again.

More than music…

This year there will be more than 80 artists represented with art unique to the area. Under covered booths, they will display photography, pottery, jewelry, and much more. If you’re looking for something original, for your home or your fashion statement, this will be the place to find it. And, you just might be helping support a starving artist!

Seven Indiana wineries will offer delicious wine varieties by the glass or bottle. Six microbreweries from across Indiana will serve award-winning beers and ales, and 16 food vendors will accommodate your appetite with nibbles, snacks, a light lunch, or a full meal.

Get Your Party On!

One of the best things about living in Indiana is summertime block parties. Winter may keep us ice-o-lated, but when the weather turns warm, outside activities bring us together. What better way than with *W*ine, *A*rt, *M*usic, and *M*icrobrews at WAMMfest.

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