As most major festivals and activities have been canceled during the pandemic, the 2020 Rochester Recreation Festival persisted. It took place on Saturday, September 12, and was attended by approximately 500 people, a 66 percent increase over last year’s event, according to Simon Devenish, the festival’s organizer. “This is significant because COVID guidelines require that we space people out in order to be safe. At the same time, we are not creating the sense of community and togetherness we actually want to achieve.” He is hoping to more than double attendance next year, especially if social distancing rules change, allowing people to be closer to each other.
“I really want to thank those who came out for the festival for being brave and enthusiastic, as well as remaining COVID-friendly all day by wearing masks, sanitizing hands frequently, and maintaining safe distances,” said Devenish. “Trust me when I say I didn’t do things the way I wanted to. I did things the way I had to do them to be safe and compliant with guidelines. In the end, people appeared to have a great time and responded positively.”
Devenish praised volunteers for their hard work and commitment in bringing this year’s festival to the community. “This year’s success is really due to the many volunteers who’ve stepped up to provide amazing activities and support. Because of them, we’re growing the festival in significant ways,” said Devenish. “Because of our volunteers and their enthusiasm, I feel confident that we’ll be able to offer even more opportunities for outdoor recreation in 2021.”
One of the new activities that people especially enjoyed was the Rope Bridge Challenge. Spencerport Boy Scout Pack 92 built and brought a rope bridge that people were encouraged to cross. “While not requiring as much skill and training as karate, it provided a genuine challenge for young and old alike,” said Devenish. Attendees also enjoyed the new mini-golf course. Two bands, The Synergy Project and Double Down, provided music throughout the day.
The Rochester Recreation Festival was made possible by United Healthcare, the naming sponsor for the 2020 festival. Other sponsors included Barton’s Parkside Hots, Mary Lobene from Hunt Real Estate Spencerport, ESL Federal Credit Union, J. William Jewelers, State Farm Insurance: Dominic Agostini Agency, Union Street Coffee House, Rochester Chargers MFL, A Plus Party Rental, and Schultz Associates Engineers and Land Surveyors, P.C.
“Sponsorships are more important than ever as we grow this festival in order to attract more people to Spencerport. This is good for Spencerport and good for its businesses who have struggled as a result of the bridge reconstruction and the pandemic,” said Devenish.
Anyone interested in becoming part of the 2021 Rochester Rec Fest as a sponsor, volunteer, or activity provider, is asked to email info@rocrecfest.com or call 209-3494.
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