Music Fest is part of building relationships with downtown restaurants and merchants.

By David Dindak

David Dindak

I often refer to Morgan Hill as the town of Mayberry (Google “Andy Griffith Show,” young’uns). We still have that small town feel and it was shown in no better way than at the July 3 Family Music Fest downtown. It brings locals together who haven’t seen each other in a while, particularly grads who know they’ll find alumni here to chuckle with over old times.

It all began on Second Street with 1,500 attendees. At three to four years the community clearly showed it loved the event. This year it’s estimated there were 5,000-6,000 attendees.

Dennis Dal Pogetto has been Music Fest chair for 27 years. Others have been working the event up to 40 years. So, let’s give a shout-out to the leaders who make it happen. Many thanks to co-chairs Manny Padilla responsible for radios, health stations and ice, Steve Padilla handling beverages, Michele Naylor the VIP tent, and Rich Firato assisting with band coordination. This was Christina Smith’s inaugural year managing logistics, and Dennis said she did an outstanding job. Freedom Fest President Matthew Stein’s masterful oversite has led to creating a terrific system and a huge volunteer database.

The kit and kaboodle of Freedom Fest’s 36 hours of a fun that is now a well-oiled machine, includes the Family Music Fest, 5K Run, Parade and Car Cruise/Show downtown, and Fireworks On The Green. This runs up to a tune of about $200,000. Cost of Music Fest alone is $30,00-$35,000, luckily staffed with 75 volunteers who find helping to be an extremely rewarding experience.

Music Fest is part of building relationships with downtown restaurants and merchants. Many find this evening to be a great revenue generator. In years past there has been live entertainment at Second and Third streets with a band and DJ, and this year leaders wanted to experiment by expanding to Fifth Street.

Bubbles brought a bit of country to town sponsoring Country Cougars. Committee provided tables, chairs, lighting, security, and a couple gourmet food trucks. There was a terrific turnout with foot-stompin’ and line dancin.’ Another add was a Kids’ Zone in front of the church at 4th Street. It went so well they’re considering adding another stage at 5th and Monterey next year.

Music Fest being a free public event relies on community and corporate sponsors. Opportunities start at $350 with a variety of perks added at each level. And, as always, much exposure to those providing sponsorships. This year MHDA was happy to add $1,500 to the bucket and downtown businesses are asked to donate monies or in-kind next year to help keep it going.

I’ve lived in Morgan Hill almost 34 years. My kids grew up experiencing the wonderment of the events offered to this jewel of the South Bay. If you’ve not attended the event, make it a priority next year. And if you have the means, please support Freedom Fest with sponsorship and/or volunteering. You can connect at morganhillfreedomfest.com.

Lastly, Brew Crawl’s on for Saturday, Sept. 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets on sale at mhdowntown.org.

David Dindak is the MHDA president, co-owner of Bubble & Brew, and a RE/MAX Realtor.