How did the words "Stone Soul" enter the naming of the event? Who comes to party? What's free? What cost money?
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A group of people from the community realized that they were seeing each other at funerals and decided to plan a picnic at a local park to get a few families and friends together for a happy occasion.
As word spread about their plans, the invitation list continued to grow and by the day of the event, they ended up using every table in the park . The 5th Dimension used to have a song called the Stoned Soul Picnic." When people started asking if the event could be annual, someone said, "Looks like we've got a Stoned Soul picnic." As the attendance continued to grow, it became the Stone Soul Festival.
You have had success with the Hampden Bank Stone Soul Festival in the past. I heard about your success for fhe first time last year. How long has this been going on in Springfield, MA?
For 17 years, thousands of people have traveled to Springfield from as close as the Pioneer Valley from as far away as Europe, just for the fun of being outside in the park sharing great food and good times. It has become a tradition that originated from the African American community and has evolved into a major event that embraces all ethnicities. The people who attend now are very diverse in age, culture and lifestyles and they all can connect with the "soul" that we bring to the festival with the different attractions, performances and the overall energy by the people who attend.
Why do you think Labor Day weekend is a good time to have it and what
what attactions will be there this year?
Labor Day weekend is the last weekend of the summer before the school year starts. Summer represents special times of dancing, singing, outdoor concerts, picnics and family reunions, good food and lots of laughter. The public can find all of that and more in one weekend at the festival. Our goal is to create those lasting memories to carry you until next year when we do it all again!
There will be all types of vendors, a carnival, the Marine fitness challenge course, Rhode Island Thunder Drum Corps & Drill Team, the Soul Train which is a small train for children to take free rides throughout the park, and live performances by the Tyie Center for Performing Arts, Women of Faith, a special showcase by Jeff Majors of Comcast TVOne and plenty of that down home blues sound by Oz Mix and Storm.
Boston is not that far away from Spingfield although many who
may want to come don't drive cars. What advice do you offer for
Bostonians for coming on down to the festivities?
Travel arrangements other than car are at your own discretion.
You may consider Peter Pan Bus or Amtrak by train.
For those who have never attended in the past, describe the
situation. Is everything outdoors. How about concert seating?
Are the best seats first come, first served? Is anyone selling
anything?
This is a rain or shine event and all activities are outside. All activities are free. There is limited seating for the concerts. The public is encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. There are plenty of vendors selling food, jewelry, clothing and more. On Saturday, after the special showcase by Jeff Majors, the public can purchase his cd and he will autograph it. There will be plenty of things to buy and some things that are free.
Is there room to dance or sit down while eating? Please elaborate.
The park is huge with approximately 123 acres. There are picnic tables, a
tennis court and plenty of open space. The festival is designed primarily
for guests to spend the day walking around and enjoying the attractions. The
public is encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to make sure they
are comfortable in the event that the picnic area is filled because there is
plenty of space to lay out a blanket or set up chairs to sit down and eat
your food while watching all of the action!
How many days are included in your programming of activites?
It is a 3-day event starting on Friday and it ends on Sunday with the annual Stone Soul picnic at 10:00 am. Pack your picnic baskets and coolers, bring family and friends to join us for the community cookout The Praise in the Park Tent Service also starts at 10:00 am followed by the Gospel Program with live music and special performances. At 4:00 pm is the Community Service Awards Presentation.
Are there any restrictions: Do you allow kids on skateboards?
Roller skates? Should anyone bring a bicycle? What about
bad weather and what are your contingency plans?
The Hampden Bank Stone Soul Festival is a rain or shine event. Rollerskates, skateboards and bicycles are welcome. Please be advised the area is primarily grass and for your safety, helmets are encouraged.
What should anyone bring with them who plan to attend?
We anticipate good weather all weekend but the public is encouraged to check the forecast if they are traveling a distance. Suggestions would include: beach
umbrellas, lawnchairs and outdoor fold-up chairs, coolers, blankets, picnic baskets, perhaps a sweater or jacket for the evening. The festival is designed for people to be outside for long periods of time vendors will be on site selling water.
Please be advised, overnight accommodations are at your own discretion.
The Hampden Bank Stone Soul Festival does NOT have a special rate with any of the hotels.
There are four hotels in downtown Springfield: Sheraton Springfield 413-781-1010; Marriott 413-781-7111;
Holiday Inn 413-781-0900; Hilton Garden Inn 413-886-8000
We also encourage the public to check online for other properties to meet your respective budget and travel requirements
