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The first Liberty Fest in Edgerton to raise money for struggling veterans

Janesville Gazette - 7/31/2017

July 31--EDGERTON -- Tricia Mazza wants to give back to area veterans.

"They've served us, so it's my job to serve them now," Mazza said.

She's organizing the first Liberty Fest set for Saturday at the Rock River Thresheree grounds south of Edgerton.

The festival is to thank service members for their sacrifices and to raise money to help veterans in need, Mazza said.

Mazza hatched the idea and pitched it to her co-organizer, Jeff Kersten, only six weeks ago, she said.

The day-long festival will feature local vendors, live music, a beer tent, food from Famous Dave's and displays from local emergency service providers, Kersten said.

There might even be a display that showcases some of local law enforcement's heavier artillery, but that's not for sure, he said.

Activities for kids will include a playground, inflatable bounce houses and kid friendly displays from local service members.

The event starts at noon, but the party will kick off at 6 or 7 p.m., Kersten said.

Food and drinks will be reasonably priced to provide a good time for veterans and non-veterans alike.

Mazza said that many of the businesses featured are owned by veterans.

All proceeds will go to the state veteran support program Unmet Needs, Mazza said.

Veterans can apply to the Unmet Needs program for emergency funds. It doesn't cover expenses not deemed to be basic life needs but can help veterans make ends meet in a pinch, Mazza said.

"My idea originally was to have a company that's building homes for veterans and their families, or people who are helping donate homes for their families," she said.

She decided that was too ambitious.

"Instead of the shotgun approach on a monster project, let's take a rifle approach and really home in to make a difference," Kersten said.

Mazza comes from a military family and has seen relatives struggle to stay afloat, but they rarely ask for help when they need it, she said.

"Our community has really come together and stepped up for this," Mazza said.

A number of businesses were immediately supportive and volunteered to be part of the festival.

Kersten said it was heartwarming to see how willing people were to help.

While preparing for the festival, Mazza has had to deal with some events in her own life.

Her young daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy, and she became the full-time caretaker for her husband's ailing grandfather, a World War II veteran, she said.

She's keeping her focus on the festival, she said.

"Have a celebration for the vets, with the vets," Mazza said, "and raise some money," Kersten added.

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(c)2017 The Janesville Gazette (Janesville, Wis.)

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