Haverford First Fest Seeking First Responder Performers, Bands

HAVERTOWN, PA — The inaugural Haverford First Fest Music Festival is set for Sept. 11 and will honor first responders on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

The Haverford First Fest Music Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Eagle Road and East Hathaway Lane in Havertown.

Festival organizers are inviting performers and bands who are first responders or have personal or family connections to first responders to apply to play at First Fest. Doctors, nurses, firefighters, military, police, EMTs are also welcome.

Interested performers should contact Paul Kelly kellyresearch@aol.com or Tom Kelly tkelly1984@comcast.net.

Live music, food, a beer garden, crafters, and children's activities including fire trucks and other first responder equipment to explore will all be at the event.

Additionally, there will be tributes planned to local first responders who put themselves at risk every day to help others.

The festival is free to attend.

"We will celebrate America's resilience on the anniversary of the darkest day in modern history," Kelly Center Chairman Tom Kelly said. "Accompanied by live music and community we will honor the spirit of our First Responders. As we emerge from a global pandemic this year, it is particularly appropriate that we pay tribute to First Responders who put themselves in the firing line during a deadly virus outbreak."

The event will feature a large, covered stage, pro sound and performers from the Philadelphia area.

Interested sponsors and vendor can email Cindi Rooney at cindirooney@gmail.com.

Those who would like to volunteer can email Peggy Murr at peggymurr@verizon.net.

"The role of first responders is critical for the stability of any community," Haverford Township Manager Dave Burman said. "Many don't recognize their importance until they are needed most. We are very proud to recognize our first responders with this special day."

"Putting themselves in harm's way for the benefit of others is a first responder's job description," Haverford Township Police Chief John Viola said. "During fires, natural disasters, pandemics and other hazardous situations, all first responders, Police, Fire Department, Medics all step forward to protect the community."

Tax-deductible donations to support this community event are encouraged. Credit card or Paypal donations can be made online here. To donate via Venmo, send payments to @Kelly4music and indicate FIRST FEST with your donation in the notes. A portion of the proceeds from Haverford First Fest Music Festival will benefit local first responder organizations and local charities.