The Girl Scouts of New Paltz have combined troop efforts to mount a major fundraiser to benefit the people of Haiti by organizing a music and fun festival to be held at the Ulster County Fairgrounds this Sunday, May 16. Cindy Brown, Troop #147’s leader, expresses the underlying objective of the event when she says, “Our goal is to teach our children that in helping others, we make the world a better place.”

To that end, 50 or so girls ages 6 to 18 will produce a show from noon to 6 p.m. at the Fairgrounds in the 4-H Building and just outside it, featuring six area bands to entertain kids of all ages and adults who still like to rock. The lineup includes the Big Takeover, the Deadbeats, Soul Purpose, Mirrors, Ratboy, Jr. and the Fuzzy Lollipops (those last two performing with special appeal to the younger set, with their quirky, funny arrangements). The 13 girls in Troop #147 will also be performing a rendition of “We Are the World.”

In addition to great live music, there will be a children’s activity area where kids can do face-painting, make bubbles, make jewelry – lots of crafts and games for free. Matt Maley of Visual Stuff Studios will be doing caricatures at the event for the small price of $5, a large percentage of which will be donated directly to Haiti. Great food and beverages will be available for purchase, supplied by Tra Caribbean, also donating a percentage of its sales to the cause.

A silent auction will be held, too, with items and gift certificates donated by many generous local merchants and restaurants. These will include a Fox & Hound Wine & Spirits gift certificate, a large toy basket from Enchanted Toys, a dinner-for-four gift certificate at Mohonk Mountain House, a greens fee for four plus golf cart at the New Paltz Golf Course, two gift certificates from the Water Street Market, a gift certificate from the Natural Pet Center, a Lotto scratch-off basket from Aldo’s Precision Machine Shop and more.

Brown says, “In addition to the silent auction items, we have gotten numerous wonderful donations. Just to name a few: The Ulster County Fairgrounds donating the use of the Fairgrounds, all the bands are donating their time, Taconic Records is donating all PA systems and time, Champion Tent Rental is donating the tent, Robinson’s Refuse is donating the dumpster, and the list could go on.” Obviously, these girls can sell more than cookies!

Come to the Ulster County Fairgrounds on Sunday, rain or shine, for an afternoon of music and family fun. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross and UNICEF. Advance purchase tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets are on sale at Rhino Records, Karma Road and the Bus Stop Café in New Paltz, for cash only. For more information or to purchase group tickets, contact gshelpinghaiti@gmail.com.