MayFest was an absolute blast this year — rain, umbrellas, mud puddles and all. We had an incredible turnout and the energy never dropped, even when the weather did its worst. We received so many kind words from families, volunteers, and sponsors who told us how much fun they had. The free games and prizes were a huge hit, the silent auction tables stayed packed, and the live performances from Old Soul and comedian Dave Landau were pure gold. That band brought the kind of joy you hear in movies like Shrek and Trolls — the kind of music that makes crowds sing and dance in the rain. Almost every sponsor has already reached out saying they want back in for next year, which tells us we’re doing something right.
We also believe in transparency and learning from what didn’t go as smoothly. One of the biggest pieces of feedback we heard was about the food truck prices — and we agree. Feeding four people shouldn’t feel like taking out a small loan. We were surprised by how high the prices were, and while the food was okay, it wasn’t worth what families ended up spending. We heard you, we feel the same way, and we’re already working with vendors for MayFest 2026 to ensure reasonable pricing so families can actually enjoy the event without breaking the bank.
Regarding the location — we ultimately decided not to return to Hutchinson Square for future MayFests. While we love our town and appreciate the businesses surrounding the Square, there were concerns from nearby shops about the volume of the music, and it became clear that the environment wasn’t the best fit for the kind of joyful, high-energy family event we’re trying to build. We stand by Old Soul — they turned a rainy day into a celebration, brought the atmosphere up when it easily could’ve fallen flat, and helped create memories families will never forget. We’re thankful for everything the Square has offered us in the past, but for 2026 we’re moving to a space that fully supports the heart and purpose of MayFest.
Even with the unexpected challenges, MayFest was a huge success, and planning for 2026 is already underway. The proceeds raised will directly support our year-round mission, including the Car Repair Coalition, emergency housing and utility assistance, postpartum support, mentoring programs, and more initiatives designed to strengthen families and keep them together. Thank you to everyone who showed up, danced in the rain, volunteered, sponsored, donated, and helped make MayFest what it was. We can’t wait to do it again — bigger, better, and hopefully a little drier!
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