MECOSTA COUNTY — Mecosta County’s First Responders Festival is set to undergo a major makeover, including extending the fundraising event to a four-day festival and hosting more events in the new year.
Organizers aim to recognize first responders of all kinds at the annual festival and provide exciting entertainment and fun to the West Michigan community.
Festival President Justin Spedowske said the next event, to be held July 17-20, 2024, will include even more entertainment.
“Every day is going to be different,” Spedowske said. “It will be a four-day event instead of a one-day event. Anderson Midway is coming to do a big carnival and I think they said there would be 14 rides. , we are working on hosting a craft show and toy show so people can bring in crafts and toys to sell at the event, which will be held all week long.”
Other new events include the Battle of the Bands contest on July 17th, micro wrestling on July 18th, and the Demolition Derby race on July 19th. A parade and float contest are planned for Saturday, July 20, which concludes the festival.
The four-day event will also include bump-and-run races, a classic car show, and a fireworks show.
Spedowski said the festival plans to relocate for the next five years to Stern Park on M-66, across from Baritone Elementary School in downtown Baritone.
“We’re actually going to have the parade go through the major towns and actually into the park,” Spedowske said. “This year we’re actually inviting the public to participate in the parade floats. We’re actually going to have a float competition, and the theme will of course be first responders. Then on July 20th, Storen Horses, a band from Michigan who just got their second album, are coming to play a free concert.
In 2023, the festival raised $911, which will be donated to Mecosta County EMS, with the last $11 donated by Spedowske himself. Festival representatives also presented handmade metal flags and complete toolsets to other winners.
As the next festival grows, Spedowske and his team hope to raise even more money for good causes over the four days.
“We hope to have more sponsors on board this year,” Spedowske said. “Even last year, first responders were very happy. We need first responders, like we need the military, but we don’t see much activity or content for first responders. ”
Spedowske was inspired to create the First Responders Festival through the influence of his father, who worked as a firefighter for decades.
After her father passed away three years ago, Spedowske wanted to find a way to honor her father’s memory and grow the festival and the lives it impacts.
“I wanted to continue everything while honoring my dad and so many people I knew,” Spedowske said. “The goal is to get bigger and bigger. I looked around and there was a baritone, so I went to meet me and the people over there and tell them what our festival is and what we’re doing and make it When I told them I wanted to move them over there, they were thrilled.”
Spedowske also worked with the principal at Baritone Elementary School to secure parking and an area to host a haunted hay ride for area students and families during the festival.
Parking for participants is $2, with all proceeds going to the elementary school.
“We’re going to support the village by hosting a week of fun, family-friendly events,” Spedowske said. “We’re going to support these school systems with whatever funds we can to help them get all kinds of supplies that they need. We’re also going to raise money for first responders and support them. We will be holding fundraisers and other events throughout this week to give back to them.”