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Wakefield HRC to use $10,000 town grant for new ‘Cultures of Wakefield’ food festival
Summary
The Wakefield Human Rights Commission announced a $10,000 economic-development grant for a new “Cultures of Wakefield” food festival scheduled Oct. 12 at Galvin Middle School and adjusted the grant’s expense deadline to Nov. 1 to match the event timing.
The Wakefield Human Rights Commission said it will use a $10,000 Wakefield Economic Development grant to stage a new “Cultures of Wakefield” food festival on Oct. 12 at Galvin Middle School. Chair Han Lian said the commission received an initial contract awarding the funds and successfully asked the town to move the expense-submission deadline from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 to align with the event schedule.
The grant, Lian said, will support broader multi-cultural programming than the commission’s past AAPI-focused events: organizers plan vendor fees, performers, volunteer meals, event signage and publicity. “We want to do an event for all cultures of Wakefield,” Lian said, describing plans to solicit local restaurants, reserve the gym, cafeteria and auditorium and bring historical materials into the program.
Members discussed operational details needed to use the funds. The commission expects to reserve multiple spaces at Galvin Middle School and cover certain vendor costs; Lian noted that even existing restaurants need temporary food permits for on-site vending. The commission also plans to use some funds for performers and to offer modest performer fees when necessary.
The commission has about $3,000 in its annual WHRC allocation that must be spent by June 30, plus roughly $800–$900 in a grant account and under $100 in a revolving account. Lian said the new $10,000 contract is separate and intended for the Oct. 12 festival. “We will be able to use those funds to pay for performers and some things we haven’t been able to do in the past,” she said.
Members agreed the planning process will include a volunteer planning team and regular open meetings once the planning group includes a quorum, consistent with open meeting requirements. Lian said planning meetings will likely begin weekly after Independence Day and be posted on the town website so the public can attend.
Next steps: the commission indicated it will finalize and sign the modified grant contract so funds can be received, form the planning team, and begin vendor outreach and detailed budgeting for the Oct. 12 event.
