The first annual “Bernie Fest” is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Pines Pavilion located at 1660 Union Center Highway in Endicott, N.Y. Doors open at noon. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Six bands, two DJ’s, basket raffles and 50/50’s, along with children’s activities are planned. Presale tickets are $15 and include admission and a BBQ chicken dinner. Admission at the door is $10 without dinner, or food can be purchased separately. (Provided photo)
The first annual “Bernie Fest,” a fun-filled festival with live music, basket raffles and 50/50’s, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Pines Pavilion, located at 1660 Union Center Highway in Endicott, N.Y. Doors open at noon.
“Bernie Fest” is a memorial benefit in honor and memory of Endicott, N.Y. resident, Bernadine M. Tuthill, who passed away on Feb. 28, 2015 after a five-year fight with Lewy Body Dementia. Proceeds from “Bernie Fest” benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Alzheimer’s Association, formed in 1980, works to advance research and enhance care for those living with the disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the type of progressive dementia that affected Bernie is the third most common cause of dementia. More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, taking more lives than breast and prostate cancer combined.
By 2030, 72 million baby boomers will be at risk for Alzheimer’s and by 2050, national costs could top one trillion dollars. Today, ninety percent of what has been learned about Alzheimer’s has been discovered in the last 15 years, so the hope is that better understanding will lead to new treatments.
Presale tickets for “Bernie Fest” are $15 each, which includes admission and a barbeque chicken dinner with two sides, and can be purchased at the Downtown Quarterback located at 115 Washington Ave. in Endicott, N.Y. Day of show admission is $10 without food, or food can be purchased separately. The event is geared toward people of all ages, including children. A bounce house and a variety of youth games are planned.
Live music includes six well-known local and regional bands that play a mix of music including country and rock. Headline band Wreckless Marci will be joined by The KiiL, the Tim Ruffo Band, Boondock Rebels, Aftermath and Burning Moonlight, as well as D.J. C. Hill and D.J. REG.
“Bernie Fest” organizer, Dan Bunts, in lieu of celebrating his 50th birthday with a party of his own, decided instead to give back to the Alzheimer’s Association, in memory of his mother-in-law, Bernie.
Individuals unable to make it to “Bernie Fest” and who want to donate can send a check made payable to “Bernie Fest” and mail it to 314 Taylor Ave., Endicott, N.Y. 13760.
For more information, contact Dan Bunts at (607) 761-4419. To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit www.alz.org.
