Get ready to rock the barn

“Rock the Barn” is back again celebrating 8 years of fun festivities and music. Looking back, what started out as a simple ‘barn dance’ has turned into the main fundraiser for Meals on Wheels and the music festival of the summer in Clarence.

This year, the event will be at 4 p.m. on Friday July 20 and begin again at 2 p.m. on Saturday July 21.

It all began as a simple ‘barn dance’, on one night, with one band. In 2005, this was the first time the fundraiser was held, drawing in about 250 people and raising $4,000.

Then, “people wanted it to be bigger,” said marketing director of the event, Noel Dill.

Since then, the event has become so much more and in 2011, turned into a two-day music festival.

Last year, 4,000 people came out to the event and supported Meals on Wheels with $53,000.

“It’s just a great community event that brings the community together,” said Dill.

Bringing in some country music this year, Friday night’s lineup will consist of Ricky Lee, Not Quite Right and Blood Money.

Saturday will be blues and barbecue. Performances will be by Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Gretchen Schultz and the Morvells, The Hurricanes, Joe Mahfoud and the Patti Parks Band.

Vendor tents will be set up to sell delicious food from local places such as Orazio’s, Adventures in Heat and Goodrich Coffee and Tea and more.

Dill added that they do have a few tricks up their sleeves for some special events to take place. In the past, there have even been fire twirlers.

For the children, there is a family tent. Kids can come and do art and other activities throughout the day. Last year, the children at the festival hand painted a colorful mural that was presented to the Meals on Wheels task force.

Over the years, the festival has become Meals on Wheels main fundraiser of the year in Clarence.

“It’s so local. All the money stays right here in Clarence,” said Dill.

Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization that delivers meals to senior citizens at a low cost.

“It helps them stay independent,” Dill said. “It helps them stay where they want, where they have been for so many years.”

Tickets can be bought online or at Dash’s Market for $15 in advance. They will also be sold for $20 at the door. Each ticket is good for one wristband that is good for both days of the festival.