WellsFest Celebrates 40 Years

WellsFest, organized by Wells United Methodist Church in Jackson, is one of Jackson's premier outdoor music and children's festivals. It provides a fun day with music, food, games, arts and crafts, a pet parade and a silent auction. WellsFest is an alcohol—and drug-free festival with free admission and free parking.

This year's WellsFest will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Jamie Fowler Boyll Park on Lakeland Drive.

"Wells Church's motto is 'Loving, Caring, and Sharing," said the Rev. Susannah Grubbs Carr, Wells' pastor. "That's the gift of love from WellsFest and its volunteers to the community. We invite you to come enjoy good music, good food, and family fun at what is considered Jackson's original music festival."

This is WellsFest's 40th anniversary. It has grown from a small park gathering to a major community fall festival with hundreds of volunteers. The festival provides a wholesome community event while supporting non-profits. All net proceeds are given to a beneficiary selected each year.

Funds raised at this year's WellsFest will support a new non-profit, WellsFest CARES, an emergency fund with the Community Foundation of Mississippi for musicians who may need assistance with medical or other life issues.

"WellsFest will be helping many of the local musicians who have made WellsFest possible over four decades by donating and sharing their talents at the festival," said Rev. Carr.

Over the years, WellsFest has raised more than $1.5 million to support local non-profit agencies.