Local entertainer Andy Forgie will perform again at this year’s Porchfest. Photo from QNet News.
By: Mohitpreet Singh
BELLEVILLE – The 15th edition of Porchfest is set to go on Saturday Sept. 28.
Sam Brady, one of the organizers of this year’s Porchfest says that this year’s festival will carry forward the traditions that have made it successful for over a decade.
Since its inception in 2009, Porchfest has continued to grow, showcasing local talent while strengthening community bonds. This year’s event promises to build on that legacy, with new artists, venues, and a strong focus on community involvement.
The festival kicks off with a family concert at 10 a.m., featuring Andy Forgie. Performances by various artists will follow, starting at noon, and continuing until 4 p.m.
Brady is excited about the 69 artists who have signed up to participate although not all artists are paired with venues yet.
After 4 p.m, Porchfest continues in the downtown.
“Downtown has done a wonderful job organizing,” says Brady, adding that highlights include a free concert at Market Square by the band Big Black Smoke, starting at 4:30 PM. The festivities will continue into the evening, with restaurants and late-night venues hosting live music until 9:30 PM.
According to Brady, the biggest difference this year is the growing interest from artists.
“Each year, we see more and more artists wanting to participate. We’re really thrilled by the response this year,” he says.
Last year’s Porch Fest attracted between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees, and this year the team is expecting an even bigger turnout.
Brady acknowledges the challenges of coordinating such a large event, particularly with matching artists to venues, but he remains optimistic about the festival’s growth.
Brady explains that venues are carefully selected with the support of the downtown district, ensuring that all locations are easily accessible and walkable. In the earlier years, there were only a handful of venues, but as Porchfest has grown, so has the number of venues. However, Brady says that some attendees have voiced concerns about having too many options, making it difficult to experience all the performances.
Despite the logistical challenges, the community’s involvement has been crucial to the success of Porchfest.
Porchfest originally started with Ken Hudson and Lucinda Pritchard, who brought the idea to Belleville in 2009. Due to their growing family and business commitments, they handed responsibility for the festival to the Rotary Club in 2014.
“I got involved because I really love the idea of giving back to the community,” says Brady.
A group of young volunteers, like Brady, took over the event with the goal of making the community a better place.
“It’s an entirely volunteer-led effort,” Brady adds. “There’s no major advertising—just a grassroots event that has really resonated with people.”
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