First Exeter 'ComFest' Huge Success

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Exeter recently held a local Community Festival “ComFest” to raise money to support its Community Assistance Center. The event brought together many families who enjoyed a day of free fun and entertainment including live music by Seacoast Idol performers, Piscataqua River Brass; Slyvan Roots; Leo Ganley & Jeff Wyman; Party Time DJ; Seacoast Karaoke & DJ Services.

The kids enjoyed activities including balloons, face painting and mischief with Kuddles the Clown; Magic by Anderson and a Bounce House provided by Air Zone. There was also a start-up company of talented aerialists, Lauren Czaplyski & Landis Darling who entertained the crowd between activities.

The adults enjoyed a Zumba demonstration by Caroline Ruhm Cathy Standring of Life of the Party was the event coordinator and helped to make this truly a community event with Arjay’s Hardware providing the electricity and space for Vendor booths, Al's Towing providing a flat bed truck as the stage with PittPro Home Improvement building the steps leading to the stage.

Banners were obtained from Reedy Signs in Stratham and 21 raffle prizes were donated by area businesses and supporters.

Though the day was all about fun, proceeds raised from the event will also aid the Exeter St. Vincent de Paul Society provide helpful services to the five SAU 16 communities, such as a food pantry, advocacy for people in crisis, employment assistance and a multitude of health and humanitarian agency referrals.

The Society would like to issue a special “Thank You” to all of the Festival Sponsors and the many volunteers and supporters who helped make the event possible: St Vincent de Paul Society Volunteers; the Knights of Columbus; Exeter Rotary Club; United Methodist Church; Steve Thomas and WXEX Radio; Reedy Signs, Paul Montana and the Provident Bank Staff.

Sponsors included Arjay’s Hardware; Al's Towing; PittPro Home Improvement; The Provident Bank, Cross Insurance, Emanuel Engineering, Hampton Inn & Suites, Shaws, Market Basket, Stop & Shop; Department; Seacoast Coca Cola; Pet Pantry; and Sam’s Club.; Appearances by: Exeter The Exeter Fire Department; Sandy Martin and the 2012 Seacoast Idol performers, Kat Murphy, Charlie Strater, Kaila Gutierrez, Elizabeth Henry; Piscataqua River Brass; Slyvan Roots; Leo Ganley & Jeff Wyman; Party Time DJ; Seacoast Karaoke & DJ Services; Kuddles the Clown, Magic by Anderson; AirZone of Exeter; Aerialist, Lauren Czaplyski & Landis Darling; and Zumba instructor, Caroline Ruhm.

Vendors: Brown’s Lobster of Exeter; Ian’s Granite State Hot Dogs; Gerry’s Variety Store; The Party People; Good Karma Café; Pet Pantry; Sully’s Ice Cream; Michelle’s Cooking; Amtrack Downeaster; Home Soaps, Tastefully Simple; Sworkski Jewelry; Diva Girl; Glass Crafts; Perfectly Posh and Scrubby Bumpkins.

Raffle donors included: Canobie Lake Park; Churchills; Cornucopia; Doddy Dots; Exeter Cycles; Fisher Cats Foundation; Golf & Ski Warehouse; Timberland; Graham Tire And Auto; Just Doo It Hair Salon; Lainey B Alterations & Design; New England Patriots Charitable Foundation; Olofson’s Oil Burner Service; Pat Keefe; Perkins Lawnmower; The Rinks Of Exeter; Timberland; To Your Art’s Content; Water Street Bookstore; Wentworth By The Sea Country Club and Sanctuary Hair Salon.