LAFCU invites festivalgoers to help paint iconic giant letter at Phil Denny's Armory Smooth Jazz Fete

Festivalgoers can help paint one of LAFCU's iconic, six-foot-tall letters during Phil Denny's Armory Smooth Jazz Fete presented by LAFCU Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Lansing Armory.

The oversized letters spell LAFCU and have appeared at festivals, concerts and community events across mid-Michigan since 2015. During the fete, attendees can add color to the letter “F” through an interactive paint-by-number activity, while local artists create original designs on the remaining letters.

“The letters have become a familiar symbol of LAFCU's community involvement, and this year's collaborative painting gives festivalgoers a new way to be part of that tradition,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer at LAFCU and CEO of StableCommunities Foundation. “It reflects what this event is all about — bringing people together through creativity, music and community.”

Now in its eighth year, LAFCU has supported Phil Denny's Armory Smooth Jazz Fete as part of its commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. LAFCU will have a table at the festival with giveaways and its Money Machine, a cash-grab-style booth where participants step inside and try to catch bills swirling through the air.

The giant letters debuted in 2015 as part of LAFCU’s “Down to the Letter” campaign, which told the story of how the credit union, its members and the community work together to build something special. The letters have since become popular photo opportunities and a visible part of LAFCU’s community outreach.

The festival runs from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Lansing Armory, 330 Marshall Street. It features internationally acclaimed musicians performing smooth and contemporary jazz, soul, funk and R&B, along with food vendors, beer and wine, local artists and merchandise. The event is for adults 21 and older.

Attendees can visit the LAFCU table to participate in the painting project, watch artists transform the remaining letters and pick up giveaways.

For festival information and tickets, visit smoothjazzfete.com.