A Very Special Supporter

Grant Barnum, lead singer & guitar
The Glass Cavalry
(photo by Lizette Edillor)

About 5 years ago, back in my t-shirt making days, I met a gentleman by the name of Grant Barnum. He came to me to get some t-shirts made for his band, Echoes Origin! I had mostly been making apparel for the local school's sports teams...so a band t-shirt was a refreshing change to my normal pace. I gladly took the job and over the course of the time we worked together, Grant and I formed a nice working relationship.

After satisfying his t-shirt needs, I approached Grant about playing atFLO Fest! He gladly accepted and we were graced by the wonderful tones of Echoes Origin at the 2nd Annual FLO Fest!

Since then, Grant has been an avid supporter of FLO Fest. He has returned each year to play with us even after changing pace with a new band, The Glass Cavalry.

Grant is a kind, determined young man. He is thoughtful and caring and is always willing to help in any way that I need him! 

The Glass Cavalry
L to R: Katie, Grant, Josh & Shannon
(photo by Lizette Edillor)

I cannot express how much Grant's support means to me. To know that I always have someone to rely on is a huge deal for me. I know that if I was ever in a pinch, I could call on Grant and he would be there for me!

I have not always been the best planner, and The Glass Cavalry did not get the credit they deserved last year as they exited the stage around 4am. This year will be different. Our headlining band will be no other than...The Glass Cavalry! They will be playing the prime time spot this year so be sure to head out and take a listen!

Please go to facebook.com/theglasscavalry and LIKE their band page! You will also find music from their new EP on iTunes! Please show your support for this up and coming local band and buy a track or two! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

Overwhelming Support!

It is hard to comprehend the amount of work that goes into planning a festival until you plan one. I never thought in my life I would be doing this...but boy am I glad I am! Planning FLO Fest is one my greatest stresses but also brings me more joy than I ever could have imagined. But please don't allow me to convince you that I do it all by myself....because that is just not the case!

The first 2 years were a stuggle, trying to find bands to play and tackling obstacles we never could have foreseen. Then the planning of the 3rd year came about...and I became overwhelmed with support. I had bands calling me, I had people donating for start up costs and a list of volunteers a mile long.

Having this overwhelming support has strengthened my will to carry on with the event. There have been times when I just wanted to call it quits. I wanted to give up and let somebody else do it. I was just done. But then I think of all the people, mostly the children, that I would let down. Children who have come to rely on us for just a little help in their grand battle with life and death. The thought of their strength allows me to continue.

Gena & Aunt Sherri

The support of my family, friends and community members has also moved me to continue hosting the event. And here I must point out the people who deserve more recognition that I!

My Aunt Sherri, for she started this grand venture and allowed me to take it and run with it. Without her ideas and her support...FLO Fest would have never formed.

My sister, Gena, for her tremendous support. She has always been there for me throughout my life and this is just another aspect of our relationship...the planning of FLO Fest. She is my right-hand woman...one of the only people in the world I would feel comfortable handing the reins to.

Uncle Steve & Aunt Tammi

My Mom and Dad, for their determination in life that has been instilled in me since I was a child. For their encouragement to be who I am and do what I feel is right. For their love and support...something I can not ever thank them enough for!

My Uncle Steve, for his continued support. A man who is so generous as to let us tear up his field for a night and use enough electricity to power the mall for a day! Without him...we would have no FLO Fest!

Friends...many, many friends!

My friends, all of which are never too busy to help. People who I call family even though we are not related. Men and women who come together for a cause! You all know who you are...this blog would be a mile long if I attempted to list you all!

And last but not least, my Papa. Whose life journey has inspired me to be the best person I can be. To help those in need and to never take for granted what we have, no matter how little it is.