Aslinger Foundation to host Summer Music Fest

The Howard Aslinger Memorial Scholarship Foundation � which began in 2009 � is hosting Summer Music Fest rain or shine at 4 p.m. Saturday at Arena Park�s Red Show Barn in Cape Girardeau to benefit local individuals with disabilities.

Jean Aslinger, president of the Howard Aslinger Memorial Scholarship Foundation, said the foundation also hosts the annual 24-hour endurance run in March, and the idea for the event this weekend came about shortly after the competition�s inception.

�The 24-hour was the first year, and I think that next year we started with a karaoke night,� Aslinger said. �It went well, but it really wasn�t what we were wanting. So then we thought, �Let�s just have bands play.��

In the past, the event has been held at local wineries, but this will be the third year Arena Park has served as the venue, according to Aslinger.

�Everything goes to the foundation,� she said. �Then that goes to scholarships.�

Proceeds also improve the lives of local athletes, Aslinger said, with some receiving funds if they need an entry fee paid, something fixed on their bike, or something else to help them succeed.

�It doesn�t have to be just college; it can be training school,� she said. �We sent a girl to camp to learn braille. It�s not limited.�

Since 2009, funds generated for scholarships and athletes have totaled more than $79,000, she said.

The music festival has grown, Aslinger said, �and we like it at Arena Park because it�s closer.�

With previously hosting the event at wineries, she said, �you had to do the driving,� with some wineries being out-of-town and would cause an inconvenience to guests.

The venue at Arena Park also allows easier access to designated drivers, she explained.

Entertainment will include Mike Renick, who has been involved every year, she said, along with Dave Gerlach and Saints Till Friday. All bands volunteer their time during the event, Aslinger said.

Emcee and comedian for the evening will be Jason Wray, according to Aslinger. She said last year was Wray�s first year, which �went over so well, so he�s coming back again this year.�

Cuisine for the music festival Saturday will be provided by 2 Sides Grillin�, along with beer, wine, soda and water, all available for purchase.

Tickets for the event are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. More details can be found at the event�s Facebook page.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632