Latest news with #SunFest
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
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Our readers respond: Here are your favorite SunFest memories from the 40 festivals
SunFest, Palm Beach County's largest live music event, has come to an end, for now, after 40 festivals in a 42-year span. Interrupted only by the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival drew millions of people to the city's waterfront over the years, bringing some of music's biggest names to generations of fans gathered along the Intracoastal Waterway. South Florida's oldest music festival grew over the decades in stature and ambition, evolving from a sleepy jazz-and-art festival into a three-stage, five-day event that drew A-list performers, hundreds of thousands of revelers and millions of dollars a year in revenue. It has offered a combination of live music, art, delicious foods (stuffed tropical pineapple chicken was a yearly favorite), drinks and family-friendly entertainment. In a November, SunFest's organizers announced the show would not go on in 2025, and possibly never again. Regardless, we'll never forget those years. The Palm Beach Post received numerous e-mails from readers on those moments. Here are a few of them (some have been lightly edited): Some of us remember the late 1940s, when the celebration was the Seminole Sun Dance, with a parade down Clematis and Seminole Indians arriving in Flagler Park, dressed in original and colorful styles. They erected chickees and lived there for the week, even cooking their meals in the sofkee pot over a star-fire. The public was fascinated because, in those days, most Seminoles still lived in remote camps, though some performed alligator wrestling at the Dania Reservation's tourist attraction. John and Jane Motlow were there, along with their nieces. All of this was long before it was turned into a music event. — Daniel Rousseau, Jupiter My band (OPM) opened for REO Speedwagon in 2014. Loads of fun, great crowds (great weather) and I'll bet a successful event that year. That might be the LOUDEST my guitar has ever been, since we were primarily a bar band on the Treasure Coast. But to a guitar freak ... I REALLY DUG IT! — Edward Preman I saw Grouplove in 2018 and they were kind of just hitting big so it was easy to get close to the stage. They were great and their version of Beastie Boys' Sabotage wailed. A great memory. — AJ Osman, Palm Beach A year-by-year trip down memory lane: The bands, food, ticket prices and images I've attended dozens of SunFest musical performances over the years, but my time as a volunteer is where I had some of my most unique experiences. I had volunteered at SunFest a few times in the 1990's while I was in my 20's, mostly to meet new people and to feel like I was an integral part of this amazing annual tradition. It was during those days that I got a great feel for the incredible effort it takes to organize such a large entertainment and arts event. In 1996, I volunteered for the transportation department, a not so glamorous job that didn't give me much visibility to the event itself, but it did give the opportunity to potentially rub elbows with the performers. There was no guarantee you would transport a particular performer, so much of the day was spent waiting to see where help was needed. Then came the call for me to pick up The Rembrandts at their hotel for their late afternoon performance, so I hopped into a nondescript white passenger van and headed out. In 1996, the show "Friends" was one of the most popular on TV and the music and lyrics for the theme song "I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts were practically ingrained into everyone's head at the time (and to this day). Meeting the band at the hotel bar area, they invited me to sit down and relax before heading out to the venue. Not knowing what to expect, I quickly realized that they were a really friendly, down-to-earth group of guys. They invited me into their conversation, asked me about West Palm Beach and SunFest, bought me a Coke and offered to sign my SunFest program, which I still have to this day. Forty-five minutes later, we loaded into the van and started our ride to SunFest. I recall a conversation in which they talked about their excitement of sitting next to a local Playboy Playmate on the plane ride into PBI the night before. Shaking hands and wishing them luck as I dropped them off behind the stage, I felt great relief that I was able to transport these performers safely to the show on time. For a regular 29-year-old volunteer, being able to privately hang out and talk with such a well-known band for a few minutes was among my most memorable experiences of SunFest. — John Giaimo, Palm Beach Gardens SUNFEST: Debut in 1983 was a free 10-day festival with a high-wire act Widespread Panic and Steve Winwood in 2016 stood out to me as the best performers I've seen at SunFest. I've been to SunFest four times and I always ask myself why don't I go every year? My answer is not enough rock and roll, but SunFest has to appeal to all walks of life. One thing that will never change in my mind is there is nothing better than live music, cold drinks, good food and an awesome waterfront atmosphere. SunFest always delivered that without fail. — John Bryan, Port St. Lucie I went to the early ones out in Royal Palm. Free food drink and entertainment for everyone, and then it moved waterside. It had great entertainment and local arts for free, and then low-cost, and then medium cost, until ultimately high cost and very little local arts and artists. Well, the same it went at the first Moonfest, and all the other events originally started around West Palm through the decades. — Gary Greenwald, West Palm Beach I have been going to SunFest back when there was jazz music. I got to see several bands over the years with all the positive energy there along with the food and art. My favorite artist was Todd Rundgren. I'm going to miss it all for this 72-year-old man. — Philip Ottato, Sunrise 1992 Ray Charles performed. A night to remember. Crowd was respectful and civilized. But over the years the music became a proponent for unruly, drunk spectators. — Arleen Corvo, West Palm Beach 'A vicious cycle': SunFest's big music bet thrilled millions, then drove it out of business Return it to what it was originally!! A JAZZ FESTIVAL!! For a reason! It has to do with the quality of the overall event. Robert Armour and Paula Shore were onto something good. Great performances by great artists. Harry Connick Jr, Diane Shore, Gato Barbieri!! There are still great jazz artists and enthusiasts out there. I lost interest when it changed to rock, etc. A whole new vibe and rougher crowd. The prices escalated. — Melinda Haines, North Palm Beach My wife and I had our first date in 2005 at Sunfest and have celebrated our "Sunfest Anniversary" ever since. We are sad that SunFest has ended (for now) but will always have fond memories from our years of attending and watching the great act on the waterfront. — Gregory Rogers, West Palm Beach I don't remember the year. My husband and I were volunteering. The volunteer T-shirts were hot pink. It started to pour and everybody ran off. One guy was pushing a vendor carriage and yelled: SunFest, my ass! When we got home, dye from the (t-shirts) had run all over our underwear. Second memory. Don and I were in a soda truck. It was free. The entire east coast of southern Florida had run out of all soda except Sprite (maybe 7-up). No one could believe there was no cola. But Don told them to drink Sprite, it's the drink of SunFest. Third memory. There was a VIP bar in the old women's club. Everyone had donated booze. Much of it ran out. VIPs came in for a drink and would ask for a specific drink. Don would say: you can have any drink that can be made from the ingredients that are on the table. — Sally Chester, West Palm Beach SUNFEST: Will SunFest return to West Palm Beach? First, 'something's got to change,' director says Coming home from Grad night at Disney and Mom saying let's go to SunFest. Saw some friends there too and listened to music, saw pretty art and had good food. — Lorrie Duka, West Palm Beach The first time I attended SunFest it was like a MONSOON! Even though we were all soaked, everyone was in great spirits and having a blast. From the volunteers to the vendors — smiles were shining through the pouring rain and it's still my favorite SunFest memory. — Kelli Zink Levy, West Palm Beach My favorite memory of SunFest was the year my ice cream shop, Sprinkles of Palm Beach, was accepted as a vendor (1980-something???). Not only was I super excited, but the entire staff of six "scoopers" were excited as well! Five days of sun, fun and music? Sign me up! And then in came the rain. And LOTS of it. But we didn't let that dampen our spirits (lol, see what I did there??). We barely broke even that year, but the people, the food, the music and just the overall vibe of our (then) small community was fantastic, rain or not! And in the 40 some-odd years since the festival began, even after seeing the likes of Jimmy Buffet, the Beach Boys and Hall & Oates, THIS is still this girl's favorite memory! My (now) 16 year old son's first concert ever was at SunFest - James Taylor in 2009. He was 1. Last year he jammed out to Shaggy and Nelly (without Mom). — Andi Williams, Palm Beach We were there in the earliest and best years. Arts and crafts, beer barges, boat races, food stations and low costs. Those were the best years. As the music focus increased and the costs escalated. We stopped! Have lived in Lake Clarke Shores since 1976. — Paul, Lake Clarke Shores As a musician in Palm Beach County for 40 years, I remember the early days of SunFest (also the Heritage Festival). A lot of us local bands played on modular stages set up in various locations around the waterfront. Local vendors and artists were everywhere selling all kinds of unique items. Our band hit the food fest stage in 1986 (Sweet Mercy). It was a high point for us at the time, even earning a small highlight video on the local news. During that time the festival would escort bands in their vehicles right to the performance stage. There would be one main A list act per night, many in a jazz/blues vibe. A very local flavor in the early years of its inception. And of course, lots of fun. — Michael Hundley, West Palm Beach I began with SunFest working with Beverly Pope and Andrea as a volunteer coordinator. The festival was beginning and we had parties at local bars, the first being Studebakers. Everyone was invited, on radio, for drinks and food and they signed in. Then I sat in my living room calling every one to get them to sign up for one of our positions. I created a schedule and one by one filled in names. Some said 'I only came for the drink and food I don't want to volunteer' while others were happy to help. Ten days of festival was a long haul, but great fun. As the years progressed, I no longer had to beg for volunteers. People came out of the woodwork for a tee shirt, hotdog and coke. The first years had an air show, crazy boat races, windsurfer races, jazz and local entertainment. Everything Florida was was represented. I worked with the volunteers for 20 years. There is so much about the festival I loved. But I loved the people who came to help. SunFest volunteers did it because they loved the festival and people. I loved the festival too, but I kept doing it for the volunteers. — Maryann (Jones) Umstead, Oil City, Pa. I was born in West Palm as was my mother in 1930. I loved SunFest back during its early years when I would walk along Flagler with my siblings and cousins enjoying the arts, food and low-key music. It was always a way to give back to the locals after the snowbirds left. I brought my future husband who was from the UK and he loved it. We remembered pushing our own kids in strollers too. I really miss that vibe the original SunFest offered. My sister used to fly back for it during the past few years but we both agreed it just wasn't the same. — Mary Ann Copola-Hooper, Jupiter The festival had some terrific music like Bob Dylan and James Brown. But then, too many people, too much traffic and out of touch acts. — Miles Lidwig, Boca Raton Seeing my son's band Jumbo Shrimp perform in 2015. — Colleen Cardillo, Royal Palm Beach Impossible to pinpoint a single fondest memory, I myself have been going for 42 years ... and I brought my 1-year old daughter to her first concert LENNY KRAVITZ IN 1998, then we saw him again there together in 2015 as she graduated high school that year. The absolute most magical part of SunFest was that it brought people together; my family has made SunFest a tradition for at least 40 years. From going to its jazz-based era with my grandmother and us kids in the later 80's, to each of us carrying the tradition through adulthood ... the McDaniel family (and FRamily) made Club SunFest gatherings an epic multi-day family reunion. This event was truly something special and meaningful to us, as most of us who've lived in PBC & West Palm all our lives counted down the days till our relocated loved ones made the journey to celebrate Sunfest together. Most especially to celebrate Tara McDaniel, who all festival goers knew as the disabled young lady riding throughout the festival in her electric wheelchair loaded with balloons as SunFest always landed around her birthday. She did this for almost 40 years, as her disability began when she was just 12 years old. She was up front and center at as many acts as she could squeeze in. I have countless hysterical, wild, and oh-so-memorable stories I could tell from ALL of us from over the years, but the most important is that time we all had together, especially since Tara passed away unexpectedly last year on April 10. In a poetic coincidence, SunFest left with her. — Jennifer McDaniel, West Palm Beach My favorite memory from SunFest will always be the concert that ruined SunFest. I believe it was 1997 or 98 Crosby Stills and Nash performed on a Thursday night with admission to the festival being $1. And 200,000 of my closest friends packed onto Flagler Drive for an incredible show, but it was too much. The following year fences started going up around each stage viewing area, extra money would be charged to be anywhere near one of the stages, More modern acts were booked leaving the blues and Jazz acts that made SunFest my favorite festival in the country. The year 2017 was the first and last time since 2000 that I bothered with the parking nightmare to go to the festival, just not as interested in the music they have been overpaying to bring to town. — Chuck Cordle, West Palm Beach James Coleman is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at jcoleman@ and follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JimColeman11. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: SunFest: Your favorite memories from West Palm Beach music festival
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Life ring station at Boca Raton park aims to prevent drowning in name of teen who died
BOCA RATON — Aden Perry was 17 years old when he heroically died trying to save a man from drowning. His mother, with him at the time, is doing what she can to prevent anything similar from happening again. "I have a voice," Sarah Perry said. "I speak for every other mom, every other child that has lost their life in the water, every other adult, anybody. This has to stop." About two years ago, Perry started an initiative to install life rings in waterways to prevent drownings, a move inspired by her son. Through her, the Aden Perry Foundation has since donated close to 500 life rings across South Florida. The latest was installed at Boca Raton's South Inlet park May 1. "I didn't invent the life ring," Perry said. "I just realized that they're not there. They just need to be available to be used, to be efficient." Delray Beach: City's annual Pride Festival will go on, but officials worried about finances The installation of the life ring buoy station at South Inlet Park comes through a partnership between the Aden Perry Foundation and the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. At the May 1 unveiling, Ocean Rescue personnel performed a mock rescue in the inlet. It included a jet-ski deployment with a victim and a rescue swimmer on standby, while another guard demonstrated the proper use of the ring buoy station by throwing the life ring to assist the victim. The life ring, which sits in a bright red casing, can be easily accessed by people of any age. 'We're all in this together': Live Spanish translation the star of this 'High School Musical' production "My message is that anybody, from the youngest child to grandma or grandpa, can use one of my life rings to save a life," Perry said. "There's no training necessary. We install them at a height where they are easily accessible to a child or an adult, even somebody in a wheelchair." In case of an emergency, instructions at the buoy stations encourage people to dial 911. Otherwise, they are straightforward. "Use at your own risk," the stations read. "Throw … don't go!" And they state that the rescue rings are for emergency use only. "It's important that somebody can grab them and go," Perry said, emphasizing the instructions for people to throw the life rings, rather than jump into the water themselves. "Every second counts in a water emergency." SunFest: Will annual celebration return to West Palm Beach? First, 'something's got to change,' director says South Inlet Park's buoy station isn't the only one residents in Palm Beach County will see this summer. Three more of the stations were recently installed at Ocean Inlet Park in Boynton Beach, Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach and Jupiter Beach Park. The initiative supports National Water Safety Month, observed annually in May to raise awareness about water safety and drowning prevention. Drowning is the primary cause of injury-related deaths in kids between the ages of 1 and 4, said Dr. Shannon Fox-Levine, a pediatrician with Palm Beach Pediatrics. "This is the age group that, if there's water, they'll find it," Fox-Levine said. Prevention strategies depend on age. "We say baby-proofing a house, but it really means adult supervision at all times in some form," Fox-Levine said. While supervision is key, Fox-Levine suggests that parents enroll children older than age 1 in swim lessons. For people with swimming pools, she recommends a four-sided fence surrounding the pool with an automatic locking gate that should always be closed. And, if you have a boat, a life preserver is critical, she said. Fox-Levine also encourages all parents to learn CPR. "You could really just Google 'CPR classes,'" she said. "There's all different types." 'City knew this was wrong': New 8-story Boynton affordable housing complex rankles neighbors Perry, who lives in Broward County, was walking her dog with her son the night he died. He had jumped into a lake where a driver had just landed, in his car, after losing control on the road. After hitting his head on a rock, Aden died instantly, Perry said. The driver, an 18-year-old man, drowned soon afterward. "He was an amazing young man," Perry said. "He had a heart to give back and make a difference. He wanted to be a neurosurgeon." Perry described Aden as the type of kid who always wanted to help others. If he went to school with money on him, he'd end up giving it away. He'd come home without his shoes, Perry said, after giving those away, too. In August 2023, Aden Perry was awarded the Carnegie Medal. It's a prestigious honor given by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for civilian acts of heroism in the United States and Canada. Perry hopes to see her life ring initiative expand far beyond South Florida. "I would like to take this anywhere and everywhere that I possibly can," Perry said. Sign up for our Post on Boca Raton weekly newsletter, delivered every Thursday! Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@ and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boca Raton: New life ring station aims to prevent drowning
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
No SunFest, no problem. West Palm Beach's arts scene is thriving
For more than four decades, SunFest stood as the marquee event that signaled the start of summer in downtown West Palm Beach — a celebration of music, art, and the unique energy that makes our waterfront so special. So when news emerged that SunFest wouldn't return in 2025, it was understandable for longtime fans to feel a sense of loss. But let's celebrate this moment as a springboard rather than a setback. While we honor SunFest's incredible legacy, the vibrancy of arts and entertainment in downtown West Palm Beach isn't just surviving — it's thriving. Over the past several years, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has invested more than $1 million in arts-related initiatives — everything from large-scale mural installations and pop-up performances to year-round live-music activations and artist showcases. These investments have helped cultivate a downtown that pulses with creativity every day. Opinion: These Florida students want to protect our state parks. Their art shows it. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. By partnering with the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Discover the Palm Beaches, and the City's Community Events Department, we've brought fresh, homegrown concepts to life — like Soul in the City series and Vintage Vibes. These new events demonstrate our commitment to elevating local talent and connecting diverse audiences with immersive cultural experiences. Our approach is as dynamic as the community we serve. Perhaps most importantly, we've stayed nimble. Downtown West Palm Beach has evolved rapidly over the last decade and so have the needs of residents, employees, and visitors. That's why our programming is never one-size-fits-all. We're cultivating an inclusive, year-round cultural ecosystem — one that reflects the very best of our city's identity and invites creativity into every corner of our district. In many ways, the absence of SunFest creates a new opportunity for new voices, emerging creators, and innovative formats that bring people together in fresh ways. We don't have to look far for inspiration. Programs like Black Art Matters, Que Bacano, and Let's Vibe have drawn thousands of attendees while spotlighting underrepresented artists and transforming public spaces, further underscoring the richness of our community. Our vision is clear: to position downtown West Palm Beach as a hub for creativity 365 days a year. Will SunFest return to West Palm Beach? First, 'something's got to change,' director says So if you find yourself missing that familiar SunFest beat, look again at the streets around you. Take in the masterpieces of our walls, the melodies drifting through our plazas, and the lively foot traffic in our public spaces. The arts in West Palm Beach are growing, evolving, and becoming more accessible than ever. The soul of downtown was never defined by one weekend. It's defined by the people who bring their talent, imagination, and heart to our city every day. And that's something worth celebrating. Teneka James-Feaman is Executive Director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: SunFest loss won't sink West Palm Beach arts | Opinion
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Will SunFest return to West Palm Beach? First, ‘something's got to change,' director says
When SunFest announced in November that it was canceling its 2025 festival on West Palm Beach's downtown waterfront, the organization said it was 'just taking some time to create something new and fresh.' Now, SunFest's director says he is not in a hurry to try to resurrect the beloved musical festival. After years of financial struggles, the organization plans to ease its way back by managing smaller live events as it mulls how and whether to produce its signature event once more. 'We're really trying to figure out the next steps as an organization,' said Dan Goode, the executive director. 'We're focusing more on event management and trying to be relevant in the community.' SunFest of Palm Beach County, the nonprofit that produced the county's largest music festival for 42 years, this year branched out by taking over management of Lake Worth Beach's Street Painting Festival, for a fee of $271,000. If and when the group tries to bring back SunFest, it plans to do so with a different approach. The popular festival fell into financial problems in recent years, raising prices to hire top-tier musical acts as attendance plummeted. 'I don't think SunFest will come back as it was,' Goode said. 'Something's got to change.' That change could come as an attempt to reembrace the festival's roots as a community event. Goode said that in SunFest's final years, organizers were trying to pivot it back in that direction, but it was not an easy transition. 'We really tried to do a lot of things differently and get back to the community aspect of the event,' he said. 'In our minds we were making these big changes in how we were booking and programming, and we didn't really see any movement,' he said. 'We didn't see much of a change.' The event will be missed by the county's tourism and business communities, which say it provided a significant economic boost. Even in its last, diminished year of operation, the festival was estimated to produce $10 million in economic impact, according to the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. "For more than 40 years, SunFest was a beloved tradition here in the Palm Beaches,' Cultural Council President Dave Lawrence said in a statement. 'We saw firsthand how this festival brought both visitors and residents together through the power of music and the arts.' But residents may not have to wait on SunFest to see live music festivals again on West Palm Beach's downtown waterfront. SunFest's beginnings: Debut in 1983 was a free 10-day festival with a high-wire act West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James said the city is in conversations with other event producers about the possibilities of bringing in new events to pick up where SunFest left off. 'Whether they'll come back or not I don't know,' James said. 'But I am hearing from other smaller festivals that are interested in perhaps, not necessarily filling the void but seeing West Palm Beach as an attractive option. I believe that there will be an alternative to SunFest at some point.' James said SunFest had been a valuable contributor to the city's downtown for decades, but in recent years the event had 'reached the end of their attraction in the city.' 'It didn't have the same kind of magical appeal that SunFest used to have, in my mind,' he said. But that, he said, opens the door for new possibilities. 'I am optimistic that there will be something new, something fresh — maybe a few things fresh — to give us an opportunity to imagine what live entertainment could be on our waterfront and see if there are some new players who are interested in doing something here,' James said. 'I know of at least a couple who have approached us about doing some things.' More: SunFest is gone. Now a free downtown music festival aims to 'fill that void' Paul Jamieson, who served as SunFest's executive director for 17 years before retiring in 2023, said that as the cost of hiring top-tier musical acts rose, the festival found itself in 'a spiral that many older-model festivals find themselves in.' 'The cost of goods exceeded the customers' willingness to pay,' he said. But he said that Goode, who has worked for SunFest for 30 years, was the person to remake the festival as a financially viable contemporary event. 'If anybody can do it, he can do it,' he said, 'and there are a lot of dedicated people who are heartbroken that SunFest isn't happening.' Andrew Marra is a reporter at The Palm Beach Post. Reach him at amarra@ This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Will SunFest return to West Palm? Or will other events replace it?
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SunFest's beginnings: Debut in 1983 was a free 10-day festival with a high-wire act
The music grew bolder, bigger and louder during the course of SunFest's magical 42-year run before coming to a sudden stop this year. In many ways, the origins of West Palm Beach's waterfront extravaganza are a reflection of how the city evolved over the past four decades, starting out in the spring of 1983 as a small local jazz and arts festival before quickly transforming into a mega-concert series that booked big acts over the course of a four- and five-day span. The roots of SunFest can be traced to the Royal Palm Festival, a multi-event hodgepodge that was held at various days in August. That fall fest ultimately was shelved in favor of an event on the first weekend in May, promoting art and jazz and labeled "the festival by the sea." The initial plan for the waterfront festival was hatched by developer Llwyd Ecclestone, urban planner Bill Finley, public relations executive Anita Mitchell, former Mayor Pat Pepper and developer and arts community leader Bob Armour. Finley, president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation's real estate company, had seen the Royal Palm Festival with a VIP seat and described it with some choice words. 'It was awful,' Finley told The Post in 2012. "It was a series of disorganized activities (throughout) the county. They had as a highlight the funniest parade you ever saw: six paper floats; marching bands from high schools, half of whom did not have uniforms and had never marched before, let alone played together; and a series of pickup trucks carrying girls in cowboy hats with signs glued to the side of the truck," Finley said. "Llwyd Ecclestone was the chairman, and at the end of the parade he said, 'What do you think of the show?' I said, 'It's the worst thing I ever saw in my whole life.'" Ecclestone later reached out to Finley, 'Well if you have better ideas, tell us.' Finley didn't hold back. 'I knew it had to be in the spring, on the water, with arts, music and ethnic foods,' Finley told The Post. Without realizing it, Finley's ideas were so popular he instantly became of the festival's founders. 'The board of directors thought the festival would be much better centered in one spot in the spring rather than the summer,' Executive Director Frank Hannah said at the time. The name "SunFest" was suggested by board member Judy Goodman to promote cultural, educational and non-professional sports activities. The festival has traditionally been held in early May, positioned in hopes of extending beyond Easter the season and the economic boost tourists bring to the region. Founded in 1982 and launched the following spring in 1983, SunFest was a 10-day event with free admission. The event drew big crowds but lost about $100,000. Among the performers that weekend were the Flying Wallendas, the legendary hire-wire performers that operated without a safety net. Carla Wallenda, who performed that weekend and was the last surviving child of the founder of the troupe, died in Sarasota in 2021 at the age of 85. Other acts included the WKAO Big Band and the Boca Raton Symphonic Pops Orchestra. The fact that it lost money prompted organizers to cut SunFest three days in 1984. Other changes followed. By the time Sue Twyford was brought in as executive director in November 1985, the festival had $12,000 in the bank. In its early days, SunFest didn't even have a copy machine. The phones had only one line and it was impossible to put anyone on hold. "The accountants would come in and I'd have a stack of bills and I'd say, 'OK, which ones can we pay?'" Twyford told The Post in a 1990 interview. SunFest year-by-year: A look back at 42-year history of the West Palm waterfront festival IN DEPTH: For the first time in 44 years, SunFest isn't happening this weekend - what sank it? "Prior to her arrival, it was a kind of bring your blanket, hang out, listen to some jazz sort of an event," recalled Twyford's husband Tom Twyford in an interview in 2012. "Sue loved that, but she was hired to really put the festival on the map, and she, in her wisdom, knew that some tough decisions had to be made." Here is the final day schedule of the inaugural 10-day festival: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30a.m. – 10-kilometer run. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. – Palm Beach County arts and crafts pavilion, Chuck E. Cheese and Jasper Jowels, X-34 Pelican and U.S. Klowns entertain throughout SunFest site, boat and fashion show, Max Straw band ($1 admission), health and social services pavilion, exhibit pavilion, FoodFest, SunFest photo contest entries on display and antique and race car show. 10 a.m. – dusk – SunFest regatta (on Lake Worth). Noon – 12:30 p.m. - Carla Wallenda Aerial Thrill Show and Family Circus. Noon – 2 p.m. – Barry Dean, Royal Alexander and Tina Pappas; Bruce Gold magic (Flagler center stage). 1-2 p.m. – Mime show and George McGee (children's area). 1-3 p.m. – Hellenics (white stage); Fish ones (red stage). 1-5 p.m. – Petting Zoo. 2-3 p.m. – Palm Beach Ballet Company (Clematis stage); Golden Flyers unicyclists (children area); Chermar School of Dance (blue stage). 3-4 p.m. – West Palm Beach All-Star Twirlers (white stage); marionette show (library steps stage); Jupiter Middle School Band; Singing Mariners (blue stage). 4-5 p.m. – Gold Coast Banjos-Bob Stamm (Flagler Center stage). 4-6 p.m. – Vic Knight and the WDBF Big Band (Clematis stage); fencing tournament (red stage). 4:30-5 p.m. – North Shore High school-student council (blue stage). 5-6:30 p.m. – High Rising Phoenix Dancers (Flagler Center stage). 5-7 p.m. – Harmony Express (white stage). 6-8 p.m. – Cheap Sneakers Band (red state); North Shore High School Fantasia and Choraleers (library steps stage). 6:30-7 p.m. – Carla Wallenda Aerial Thrill Show and Family Circus. 7-8 p.m. – Breeze (white stage). 7-10 p.m. – The G Agents (Flagler Center stage). 8-10 p.m. – Southern Daze (white stage); the Stage Company presents I'm Getting My ---t Together and Taking It on the Road (Clematis stage). By the late 1980s, Twyford and the city knew it had a hit. In 1991, attendance reached an astounding 380,000, highlighted by a Sunday night finale that featured Crosby, Stills & Nash. SunFest was such a huge draw, city officials dealt with crowd complaints for the first time. Twyford stepped down in 1996 to spend more time with her family, but she remained devoted to SunFest until her death in 2003. What started as a free concert open to downtown eventually became a pay-at-the-gate event with hopes admissions would cover some of the rising costs. And the days of stretching out on the lawns with chairs, blankets and coolers faded, overcome by raucous crowds elbowing for standing room during the headliner acts. Through the years, SunFest evolved from a chill jazz-only arts festival to a musical extravaganza that featured concerts for Generations X, Y and Z. Gradually, music overtook art as the reason people came to SunFest. James Coleman is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at jcoleman@ and follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JimColeman11. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: SunFest quickly evolved from an arts and jazz fest into a music festival
