Fern Hollow Music Festival fundraiser breaks records
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Fern Hollow Nature Center’s recent music festival fundraiser raised $28,000, marking the highest amount ever collected in the event 24-year history.
The Sept. 28 festival attracted more than 400 music lovers and nature enthusiasts from the area, all united in their commitment to Fern Hollow’s mission.
This year’s festival featured music by the Mystic Knights and a local group, the DadBand. DadBand members Tom Arbogast, Wes Brooks, Doug Donaldson, Kevin Park and Ron Rojas, all Sewickley residents and Fern Hollow supporters, brought many fans to the event. The Aviva Brick Oven Pizza food truck supplied drinks and pizzas to the crowd, and Udderly Fresh sold rolled ice cream for desserts.
Despite the drizzle, the crowd’s enthusiasm was not dampened. Children enjoyed yard games in the meadow, including Connect Four and cornhole, and played with the inflatable versions of Plinko, axe throwing and archery. The event’s booklet even included a scavenger hunt, which encouraged exploration of the grounds and rewarded winners with flashing rings as prizes.
General admission ticket holders brought their chairs, blankets (and in some cases, pop up tents.) Many tables were outfitted with linen tablecloths, centerpieces and elaborate food and drink.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the support we received this year,” said Sam Capezzuto, executive director at Fern Hollow Nature Center. “The success of this festival is a testament to our incredible community. Every dollar raised will go directly towards our programs, helping us to further our mission of preserving and promoting the natural beauty of our area.”
Fern Hollow’s goal for 2025 is to create a master plan for the property and expand the outdoor learning areas, adding more interactive spaces and fostering a deeper connection between children and the natural world.
The goal is to raise $7,500 to turn the 33-acre park into a nature preserve. For more information on how to help or volunteer, contact the center at info@fhnc.org.