Story by Liam Carstens

What do the Strawberry Festival, vocal All-County Festival, and Literary Festival have in common? The Alfred-Almond Fine Arts Boosters helped fund and run all of these events. This group has been helping organize and fund local events and programs in Alfred and at the school for over thirty years.

The group is made up of both teachers and parents. Their goal is to support local art and clubs in the area, as well as support teachers. “Last fall we hosted the first annual Fine Arts Fall Festival,” said Mrs. Julie Bensley, president of the Fine Arts Boosters. “Musical groups performed while guests were able to buy tickets to participate in various art projects. The event also had a basket raffle.”

They plan to host the Fine Arts Fall Festival this year as well. The funds from the event will be used on ”items and projects that will enhance the fine arts programs here at Alfred Almond.”

A member of the group, Mrs. Shawn Carstens, said that, “Our festival in fall of 2023 was so successful. We raised over $1000 and it was wonderful to see the community work together for our school. We even had volunteers from Alfred University.”

Another event the group hosts, the spring Strawberry Festival, has been made difficult due to COVID 19 the past few years. Fortunately, according to Bensley, “This June the Fine Arts Boosters will be hosting the Strawberry Lawn Festivals. Once again strawberry shortcake will be sold at both the elementary and high school concerts.”

Carstens said, “We are really looking forward to bringing the strawberry back, bigger and better.” 

The group uses money made from these events to support fine arts at the school. “We provided refreshments for the High School Literary Festival as well as part of the meals for the cast and crew during the week of High School Musical performances,” said Bensley. “Funds were used to finish the 6th grade Legacy Art project last year. Members also donated art supplies for the art baskets that students can win at the annual art show.”

Members also volunteer at the school and in the community. “They assist behind the scenes at concerts and the musical,” said Bensley, “They donated needed props and costume items for the musical. They assist the art teachers in setting up for the art show. In January, when the school hosted the Vocal Solo Festival, members ran the hospitality room for the judges, teachers, and volunteers.”

Carstens added, “Our music and art teachers are the best, and they have helped my children grow in so many ways. I am grateful to have this opportunity to say thank you.”

If you would like to give back and support the arts, parents and community members are welcome to join the boosters. Have a look at the Alfred-Almond Fine Arts Boosters Facebook page for more information or contact Julie Bensley (jbensley@aacsapps.com).