PINE GROVE — Organizers of a three-day band festival in Pine Grove hope their effort can make a world of difference to someone in need.
Salem Hetzel’s Church Band Fest runs June 24 to 26. The second annual event, organized by the “God’s Gang Youth Group,” includes music from at least 10 bands, contests, games, rides and a variety of food offerings. Admission is $5 daily, which includes a food voucher to receive either a hot dog or a drink. Other food items will be available to purchase.
All activities are held at the church grounds, 233 Hetzel’s Church Road, just three miles east of Pine Grove.
“I didn’t want to compete with the fire companies,” Bernie Moyer, youth adviser, said, in trying to select a date that wouldn’t interfere with fire company carnivals and other community events.
Friday evening, 2016 graduates will be honored with songs from the band, Mind Set at 6:30 p.m.
“We wanted to have something special for them,” Moyer said. The night will also honor “Compassion Child, Luis.” Moyer said throughout the year, the youth group and church donors assist a teenager in El Salvador, named Luis Escobar. Funds have helped support his everyday care and education for several years, she said.
“We support people from other counties, give to missions, and a lot of our funds are used to just help people in need,” she said.
The God’s Gang Youth Group consists of about 15 teenagers in grades six through 12, Moyer said.
The event schedule is as follows:
• June 24
Doors open from 5 to 8 p.m
“ine Grove Community Band; pig roast dinner meals, $8 for adults/ $5 for children; Mind Set”performs at 6:30 p.m.
• June 25
Doors open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Skid Marks (Mike Schwartz Band); 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. — UltraViolent; 4:30 p.m. — Ryan & Friends (comedian and ventriloquist); 6:45 p.m. — winner of kiss the pig contest; 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. — Sapphire
• June 26
Doors open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Hooligan; 1 to 3 p.m. — The Boys Upstairs; 3 to 4 p.m. — Teen Challenge (Holy Ground Brothers); 4 to 5:30 p.m. — Chad Reinert; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. — Diaspora
The event will close with a memorial candle service.
Activities available will include barrel rides, carriage rides, horse and pony rides, face painting, water slide, dunk tank, four bounce houses, Twin Creek Petting Zoo, hair wraps and braids, and a Chinese auction. Guests interested in a little sports competition will have an opportunity for soccer on Saturday, basketball toss, “toilet toss” and volleyball.
More than 20 businesses have already contributed to the event, Moyer said.
Anyone having items to donate for the Chinese auction can call 570-449-4079 for pickup prior to June 12. Anyone wishing to send a monetary donation can write a check to “God’s Gang Youth Group,” and mail it to Salem Hetzel’s Church, 233 Hetzel’s Church Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963.