Jansen Fest Additions Include Country Music, Children's Theater

When it comes to organizing Dan Jansen Family Fest, president Kathleen Doonan’s philosophy is stick with what works.

And why shouldn’t it be. For the last 17 years, the festival has drawn thousands of people to the annual Memorial Day weekend event at .

Doonan expects a big turnout starting Friday, especially with sunny skies in the forecast.

“It’s supposed to be great weather, much better than three days of rain like we had last year,” Doonan said.

Doonan and festival organizers did tweak this year’s festival a bit. They’ll be kicking off the entertainment lineup with Rebel Grace, the first country band to headline a day at the festival in years, according to Doonan

The festival also added the Kohl’s Wild Animal Theater on Sunday afternoon, a family-oriented theatrical show where actors pretend to be animals.

In addition, a classic car show sponsored by the Greater Greenfield Lions Club is back after a one-year hiatus.

“There’s much to be enjoyed. It’s a good time,” Doonan said. “We have a wide variety of food and entertainment.”

Proceeds from the festival . Doonan said the department’s wish list is typically long, but she hasn’t seen it yet. Last year’s profits were used on electrical improvements in the park.

“With three days of rain, we were just happy to turn a profit,” Doonan said.