(6/13) Fourth of July is one of the most patriotic holidays to exist, if not the most. Filled with cookouts, pool parties, family, friends, and fireworks, it is one of the key events of the summer season. Each town has its own, unique way of getting together to celebrate this iconic holiday. This year, Joe Williams will be hosting the 3rd annual Woodsboro Musical Festival on July 4th at Regional Park in Woodsboro. This festival is a wonderful way to pay tribute to our nation, as well as celebrate the hidden talents that the community has to offer. Many of you may remember the music festival last year. The performers, the fun, and the memories will make a return this summer on July 4th, with July 6th as the rain date. This raises the question, why is it important to Joe that we get together as a community and celebrate our nation and talents?
Joe was a practicing lawyer for over 40 years. He emphasized that his job was rewarding, but also was very time-consuming and stressful; a very realistic and understandable problem for many. This led Joe to reflect on his goals in life. Those being to play the guitar and to write novels. He turned to his goals to help balance his work life and his personal life. This proved to be very successful, so Joe encouraged his coworkers to get involved in music and be more open about their playing. From his enthusiasm, he and his coworkers were able to start a band called The Bulgers and later The Objections.
Joe recounts this as being very exciting for him, since these very professional people, doctors and lawyers that is, were playing music and having fun outside of their stressful work environments. Not only did this allow Joe and his coworkers to relieve stress, but they were able to bond over a similar interest outside of the work environment. Music gave them a reason to get together, and ultimately led to long-lasting friendships. Joe and his coworkers would perform at music festivals year-round, specifically the Greenway Music Festival. Not only did his coworkers practice music, but so would his children who grew to be very talented in the arts.
However, all of this came to a halt in 2019 when Joe suffered a stress-induced brain injury from work. This left him in a coma and paralyzed. From this, Joe ultimately retired from being a lawyer after 43 years. Not to worry, he has made a full recovery and is now committed to guitar playing and writing.
Joe’s passion for music and his community influenced him to begin the Woodsboro Music Festival. In the beginning, the festival took place during the crisp months of autumn. This didn’t work out as planned since the instruments didn’t perform well in cooler temps. So, it was moved to July 4th, the middle of the summer when the heat is plentiful. After the success of the festival, the town of Woodsboro built a permanent stage in Regional Park so that the festival could take place every year.
This year, the third annual Woodsboro Music Festival will begin at 1 o’clock on Thursday, July 4th. The rain date will be July 6th. Several bands, solo acts, and the highlight performer, Valarie Smith and the bluegrass band, will be in attendance to provide energetic entertainment for the festival and holiday. In addition to the outstanding performers, there will be several other exciting things to do and take part in. There will be a distillery, brewery, winery, food trucks, frisbees, and disk golf. The highlight performers will begin their acts at promptly 5 o’clock. Many different music tastes will surround the park and appeal to those of all ages. From country music and bluegrass music to classic rock, it is guaranteed that you will hear a song you love. Be sure to bring something to sit on, such as a blanket or chairs. Oh, and a smile too!
Community is one of the many things that need to be cherished more in today’s society. In addition to our family and friends, our community also helps raise our children, support our farms and businesses, protect our land, and our families. In a small town like Woodsboro, these events are a great way to spend time with your family, friends, and neighbors all while celebrating our nation. The American dream is truly summed up in the Woodsboro Music Festival by exemplifying the freedom we have to pursue our hobbies and grow with one another to become better. Surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors, how else would you want to celebrate our nation? All of that, and a community cookout too!
Community involvement is crucial for us to build stronger bonds with each other and have several people to trust in the event of an emergency. As time goes on, it would appear that communities are drifting farther and farther apart as families choose to be more independent.
Communities benefit everyone, and getting involved, just like Joe, will only lead you to a happy, fulfilling, and successful life. Joe's efforts in bringing his Woodsboro community together are admirable and praiseworthy, and we should all do our part and support him and his family at the festival on the 4th of July.
Please, do not be shy to share your musical talents with the community on this festive occasion! Walk-ups are welcome, but to ensure a spot on the stage and plan accordingly, please contact Joe Williams at 410-812-8228.
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