Fourth annual event features food, music, politics, rummage sale

By Gretchen Sauerman

Staff writer

sauerman@hometownnewsol.com

MELBOURNE - Residents looking for a change of pace can visit the fourth annual Progressive Fest Saturday, Oct. 11.

The event includes indoor and outdoor activities at the Eau Gallie Civic Center, 1551 Highland Ave., Melbourne.

With live entertainment, food vendors, a rummage and book sale and a variety of exhibitors, Progressive Fest has something for everyone.

Cammie Donaldson, one of the event's organizers, offers advice to anyone thinking about staying home, sitting on the sofa and watching football.

"Don't do it!" she said. "You'll miss out on one of the most exciting things happening on the Space Coast: the growth of our own grassroots movement."

With more than 50 scheduled exhibitors, attendees will have a chance to learn about money-saving choices, such as alternative fuel vehicles, cooperatively grown produce and how to buy fresh local chicken eggs.

"Part of our mission is to make Brevard's growing progressive community more visible to the general public and to connect progressives to each other," said Ms. Donaldson.

With the general election less than a month away, there will be plenty of local candidates on hand to discuss the issues.

Among those scheduled to appear: Steven Blythe, Frank Grieco, Larry Hughes, Kendall Moore, Wes McCarville, Amy Tidd and Frank Zilaitis.

Local political organizations, such as Brevard County Young Democrats, Brevard NOW, Clean Elections, Fair Districts Florida, the League of Women Voters and Patriots for Peace will be on hand for those who want to get more involved in community activism.

Voters will also get a chance to learn more about the process.

"Duane Lundgren, from the Supervisor of Elections office, assisted by his wife, will accompany voting machines at the Progressive Fest," said William Whitehead, one of the event's organizers. "He will bring one each of the machine types: free-standing voting booth, optical character reader and touchscreen display."

But the event is meant to be as fun as it is informative, said Ms. Donaldson.

"There's so much to do and the free live entertainment is really a draw," she said.

Danny Morris, recently voted Brevard's favorite guitarist, and his band, will bring their "surf-rockin, finger-poppin', rock-a-billy country, tiki toe-tappin', booty-shakin' blues to Progressive Fest," said Ms. Donaldson.

"We have a variety of food offerings, ranging from delicious pork barbecue sandwiches with a side of slaw for $5, to organic and vegan sandwiches and wraps, plus smoothies, lattes and fruit drinks," she said.

A rummage and book sale will raise money to offset the cost of producing the event.

"If you like to read, don't miss this sale," said Ms. Donaldson.

Every adult attendee will receive a free door prize ticket upon entry for an opportunity to win one of a number of "Progressive Prizes."

Last year, more than 900 tickets were handed out, said Ms. Donaldson.

The event is Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call (321) 773-1276 or visit www.spacecoastprogressivealliance.org.