The Kerrville Folk Festival, traditionally a celebration of music, took on a new role in the wake of last year’s tragic Fourth of July flooding. Located at Quiet Valley Ranch, just southwest of Kerrville, the festival grounds became a center for recovery efforts, providing much-needed support to the local community.
Community Rallies for Relief
Deb Rouse, who manages the 18-day festival, was inundated with calls from festival supporters eager to help. Initially directing them to established organizations like the Red Cross, Rouse soon added a donation button to the festival’s website, raising $100,000 in just two months.
Beyond financial aid, the festival opened its doors to those displaced by the flood. A commercial kitchen on the premises was offered to a nonprofit to prepare meals for affected families. The grounds quickly became a hub of activity, with volunteers organizing meal production and distributing supplies.
Volunteers Step Up
Phil Engstrom, a retired police officer and festival volunteer, shared the personal impact of the flood. Despite his home being spared, he and his wife helped clean out damaged homes. Engstrom recounted the harrowing experience of a family separated by the floodwaters, highlighting the community’s resilience.
Chef Sarah Heard felt compelled to assist, organizing the kitchen and meal preparation for hundreds. Her dedication was mirrored by Chef Jon White, who joined the effort, preparing meals and sleeping in his truck to stay close to the action.
A Personal Loss
Donette Jez, a festival coordinator, expressed the deep personal loss felt by many, including the discovery of a friend’s guitar among the flood debris. Despite the overwhelming grief, Jez found solace in the collective effort to rebuild and support one another.
The Kerrville Folk Festival, a staple of the community for over fifty years, demonstrated its enduring spirit and commitment to the people of Kerrville, offering hope and healing in the face of adversity.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
