Bhryden Doherty has big plans for Fun With Family Day.
The annual event, held this year on Saturday, September 2nd, will once again delight families in and around Portage La Prairie with live music, a classic car show, tractor rides, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, food trucks and a market showcasing dozens of regional vendors.
Doherty, however, envisions something even bigger in the future, such as a multi-day festival. But even beyond the material plans, he wants to see something lasting, something relational, come out of the experience.
“My goal as a coordinator is to engage the hearts and the families of the community,” he says. “It’s about bringing families and age groups together, and maybe they’ll leave this festival inspired to continue working on their relationships.”
As owner of Concerts on Request, which organizes Fun With Family Day, Doherty has a knack for combining multiple attractions into a single event with broad appeal.
This year, for example, he’s booked The Color for the mainstage, arranged tractor rides with GenAg Portage, engaged more than 60 vendors and reserved numerous food trucks, including The Indigenous Kitchen, Poutine King, Willy Dogs and Za Pizza Bistro, to name just a few.
He also knows first-hand the work that goes into festival planning, as well as the costs required to get it off the ground.
“We’re looking at the possibility of expanding in the future, and we want to see things move forward in that direction,” he explains. “But unless we can meet the bills, it’s not going to happen.”
Fun With Family Day is admission-free, as Doherty recognizes the importance of having affordable, family-friendly activities in Portage and the surrounding area. It’s funded by donation and likely requires a more robust base of support to continue operations. This year’s price tag is $87,000, and those with the means are encouraged to chip in so families who may be experiencing more difficult circumstances can still enjoy the day together.
“Pitch in for the community’s sake, for those who don’t necessarily have that extra cash to spend,” says Doherty. “Help us continue this festival in our community.”
Supporters can donate through GoFundMe, or by e-transferring their gift to funwithfamilydonations@gmail.com. For those who prefer to give by cheque, they can be made out to “Concerts on Request” and mailed to Box 41, Portage La Prairie, MB, R1N3B2. Donations can also be made in person at Our Farm Greenhouse–the festival site.
“The more money we raise, the bigger the event will be,” explains Doherty. “And if there’s extra money left over, it goes into next year’s budget.”
Fun With Family Day is also on the lookout for passionate volunteers, and those interested can send a note to concertsonrequest@gmail.com. Festival updates are posted regularly to @ConcertsOnRequest, where Doherty also highlights the other events he organizes.
“I want to extend a huge thank-you to those who see what we’re doing and want it to move forward,” Doherty says. “It’s community–the heart of community is what this festival is all about.”
Fun With Family Day will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 2nd at Our Farm Greenhouses: 31083 Mile 62 Rd N, Southport. And it’ll end with a blast when the fireworks are set off in the evening.
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