GREENFIELD — With temperatures soaring into the 90s on Saturday during the continued heat wave, smaller crowds than anticipated came to the Franklin County Fairgrounds for its inaugural SummerFest fundraiser.
“We were hoping 1,000 people would come, but we are acutely aware this heat wave is affecting attendance,” said Michael Nelson, president of the Franklin County Agricultural Society that manages the fairgrounds on Wisdom Way.
To help mitigate heat, organizers set up a misting feature, and received a last-minute donated tent from Hilltown Tents. Nelson explained they had hoped to set up many more water features, but due to the severe drought, mandatory water restrictions are now in place.
Despite the heat, 20 craft vendors, eight food vendors and Berkshire Brewing Co. set up tents around one section of the fairgrounds selling goods to the few in attendance.
All the money raised from SummerFest through donations will go back into maintaining the grounds.
Over the last nine months, about $750,000 of improvement work has been conducted at the fairgrounds. Adding asphalt to make the entire facility Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible cost $250,000. Replacing the electrical wiring in the 30 buildings cost another $200,000. Stabilizing a failing embankment cost another $300,000.
“The grounds were built in 1865, so these are old buildings that need a lot of maintenance,” Nelson said.
Lundgren Honda of Greenfield gave an initial donation for SummerFest, allowing admission to be free for all in attendance. Nelson noted that on most weekends, the fairgrounds hosts private events with admission costs.
“With admission free, the doors are open for people to enjoy the festivities at no cost,” Nelson said.
Those who did attend still enjoyed the event despite the heat. Attendee Bruce Clark explained he grew up coming to the fairgrounds and was happy to be at a fundraiser supporting the space.
“I will always remember the demolition derby,” he said.
Peggy Jackman, another attendee sitting in the tent, said, “I came for the music.” She hoped to be closer to the stage, but sought the shade during the hot day.
Saturday’s festival featured performances from five musical acts: No Lens, which plays folk-infused reggae rock; multi-instrumentalist Austin James + The Nomads; Jimmy Just Quit, a four-piece rock/groove cover band from western Massachusetts; Zane Provost, whose music is influenced by indie rock; and folk singer Adelaide Faye.
Jackman said she has been coming to the fairgrounds for the last 30 years.
“When it comes to small-town fairs,” she said, “this is the best there is.”
Faye, a Quincy resident who performed at SummerFest, said she attended Greenfield Community College and become familiar with the area through that experience.
“I love it here,” she said.
Despite Saturday’s low attendance, SummerFest’s Entertainment Director Scott Kuzmeskus said, “We are not giving up on this festival,” which is to be held annually.
“I am proud to be part of this,” he continued, “because it’s good for the community.”
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.