WESTFORD — The Apple Blossom Festival is again at risk of cancellation without additional volunteer support from the community.
“There is a high likelihood that it will be canceled if we do not get the help we need. I think a lot of people think it magically happens. It happens, but a small group of people make it happen,” Stefany Eck, who is chair of organizing the event for the Kiwanis, told WestfordCAT.
She added, “At this point, three of us including myself have stepped back for medical issues. We need more people to make it reasonable. We are there nonstop Monday through Sunday and the following Monday.”
The original festival, which began to celebrate the growing season for Westford’s apple orchards in 1935, came to an end in 1937.
The festival was later revived by Westford Kiwanis in 1968 and has only been canceled twice — in 2020 and 2021 due to the public health emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festival is Kiwanis’ largest fundraiser — with proceeds used to provide scholarships to students, financial assistance to Eagle Scout projects, and events for seniors.
Volunteers needed to support event
Kiwanis has just five members “actively engaged” in planning the event. Organizers say more help is needed the week of the event.
“They don’t have to be Kiwanis members, right now we want community involvement. Critically we need people there the week of the event,” she said.
Member Bill Pozerycki added, “There’s only going to be about three or four of us on site, it could be hard to do. Now it’s more of a safety issue. We need that physical help.”
Organizers say they need help with directing traffic, working with parade participants and coordinating parking with non-profit partners in town.
“If there are people who can help for a day or a few days, [we need that],” Eck said. “It’s a big load for a few people to carry.”
Eck and Pozerycki stress that organizers do not need financial assistance with the festival.
“We don’t need the money, we need the bodies,” Pozerycki said.
Eck added, “We don’t need financial support, we need energy and ideas and contributions in a physical way. It’s not something you can write a check for and we want to make sure we’re building a strong team beyond 2024.”
An informational meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Evviva Trattoria in Cornerstone Square. The festival is scheduled for May 15 through May 19, with the parade scheduled for May 18.
Organizers say a decision on whether the event can be held will be made by the end of January.
Members of the community interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities for the festival can contact organizers by email.
