Residents organizing “Idyllwild Strong” festival to help Cranston Fire victims
Although the flames of the Cranston Fire have been extinguished — for many Idyllwild residents, the road to recovery is long.
“The house is not still standing. There’s nothing I can do about that. Except deal with that, and make it into a blessing,” said Ernesto Ale, who lost his home in the fire.
To help those in dire need of help, the community is banding together organizing a three-day benefit festival dubbed “Idyllwild Strong” set to take place the weekend of August 17 through August 19.
“We’re looking to raise money for the families who lost it all and also the other victims displaced by the fire, [who] had to spend their savings on hotel rooms or boarding facilities for their animals. Also when the power was out, thousands of dollars of food was thrown out from that,” Nathan DeJarnette, co-organizer for the festival told KESQ & CBS Local 2.
The festival is free of charge and open to all ages. It will feature over 50 bands over the course of three days, in addition to local vendors, raffles, silent auctions, and various donation stations. The Idyllwild Help Center will also be accepting food, toiletry, and supplies donations. All money raised will be given to victims tax-free, and all donations are tax deductible.
“I would encourage people to come up. You’re going to experience Idyllwild…and the sense of renewed spirit. This is not a depressed town. There’s a joyful vibe. Which is pretty amazing given what happened,” said singer & songwriter Brett Perkins.
For more information on the festival, click here.
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