It’s the beginning of a new year, and plans are under way for the 21st edition of Harborfest. The board of directors and festival staff are proud to announce the kick off of the 2008 ‘Friends of the Festival’ fundraising campaign. According to Harborfest membership coordinator Chrystal Hoyt, “Park plans are being made, band submittals being heard, juried artists and vendors are being selected and fundraising to support the infrastructure needed is a top priority at this point in time.”

The festival conducts a campaign for its Friends of the Festival fundraising effort each year in January. Individuals and businesses alike make financial contributions to help the festival cover costs that often go unnoticed. “We have sponsorship and business dollars coming in to help support the festival, but our ‘Friends’ are also an important part of our fundraising efforts,” said Hoyt. The festival uses Friends of the Festival dollars to cover many items for the children’s activities, costumes for the parade, security, public safety items, tenting and much more.

“Everyone is welcome to help the festival in any amount they wish; however, we do have specific membership levels where our ‘Friends’ receive exclusive Harborfest items such as commemorative T-shirts, Lakeview stage tickets and networking opportunities for businesses,” Hoyt added.

To become a Friend of the Festival, visit Harborfest online at www.oswegoharborfest.com then under ‘Partnerships’ click on ‘Membership.’ To have information mailed to you, contact the Harborfest offices at 343-6858 and ask for Chrystal Hoyt. Members will be contacted in early July with details on picking up their membership items.

The 2008 edition of Harborfest will be held July 24-27. As plans come together, more information will be updated onto the Harborfest Web site homepage (www.oswegoharborfest.com).