Kidstock: Music, food, fun benefit Priest Lake preschoolers

A few years ago, the Priest Lake community needed to raise money to cover a shortfall for the local school district.

A concert was organized and the funds were raised – and it sparked the idea for an annual event.

“We started realizing we had the potential to raise some money,” said Allison Hagman, one of the organizers.

Now, Kidstock brings bands and family-friendly activities to the shores of Priest Lake each summer.

The event raises money for the Priest Lake Education Foundation – last year’s total was about $15,000. Between Kidstock and another event, the foundation raises enough money that any preschooler in the community can attend Priest Lake Preschool for free. The foundation has also brought in Ready for Kindergarten, a program that teaches parents how to play with a purpose with their children to prepare them for school, and Read Up, a summer literacy program. The foundation also gives grants to Priest Lake Elementary.

Sammy Eubanks will headline the show, as he has every year, Hagman said. Also playing are Carey Brazil and the Kustums, Ben Baker and Devon Wade. All of the musicians donate their time.

Activities this year include a photo booth, airbrush tattoos and balloon animals, as well as swimming in the lake. Families can bring chairs and blankets as well as snacks. Barbecue is available for purchase.

Hagman says this is an event that brings both full-time and summer residents together.

“We are heavily supported by people who own cabins up there. They love it just as much as anybody who lives up there year-round,” she said.

Kimberly Lusk