Fairfield to host Joy Fest & Global Retreat this weekend

FAIRFIELD – Fairfield residents and the public at large are invited to a Joy Fest & Global Retreat presented by IGNYTE being hosted this weekend at Golden Magnolia Sanctuary in Fairfield.

The event will span from Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 19 and include food, music, dance, children’s activities and many other forms of live entertainment.

The event is being organized by Fairfield resident Gretchen Jentz, who said she is dedicating it to her father Jeff Jentz, who is battling Alzheimer’s. She said she wanted to do something to honor Jeff and his “his vision of youth and elders using the performing arts to build community, build each other up, and build peace.”

Gretchen said that she was raised in the Baháʼí faith, and has always been interested in the faith’s focus on global citizenship and community building. More recently, she’s helped to create the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, which was born out of Leadership Fairfield at the Fairfield CoLab. Gretchen said she was encouraged when Erika Richards invited the group to build the stage for the 2016 rendition of FAIRFest, and added that her vision for Joy Fest was inspired by FAIRFest.

A complete schedule of events for the weekend is as follows:

Friday, November 17 Golden Magnolia Community Room (downstairs, use north door):

• 5:30-7 pm– Community meal (served until 8). Donations appreciated

• 7-7:30 Mayor Connie Boyer Opening Remarks, announcement re. the Zoo of Love (Stuffed animal purchase in support of Polio Plus), and announcement of the weekend Paper Cutting Art Contest.

• 7:30-8 pm – Los Angeles based comedian Eugene Meaux will perform

8:30 pm – HFI Creativity Lab (408 W. Lowe) will host Erdstyle (D.J. Jeremy Erdman) and local multi media artist Paul Morehead, who will be performing live painting (art created at the event will be for sale).

Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• 9-10 am Interfaith Prayers – Golden Magnolia Sanctuary (upstairs, use east door)

• 10-10:15 am Prayer Walk to Morning Star Studio

• 10:30-11:30 am Yoga with Paul Morehead, along with Kirtan Music by Prayaschitta

• 12:00-2 pm – Community building: Meaningful conversations with locals during scavenger hunt at local businesses and Lunch on your own (Please support Local Businesses)

• 2 pm – Interfaith Prayers and music by Armanath and Jesya – Golden Magnolia sanctuary upstairs

• 2:30-4:30 pm – Janet Swartz –The Empowerment Process – Golden Magnolia upstairs

Children’s program downstairs

• 4:30-6:00 p.m. – Meditation/Reflection/Break (Golden Magnolia upstairs)

• 5:30-7 pm – Community Meal-Golden Magnolia downstairs. Please donate :)

Jazz by My Romance trio

• 7:30-9:30 FUN (Family Unity Night)-Contra Dance-Morning Star Studio (with Fairtown Ramblers) $7

Sunday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 9:30 pm

• 9-10:30 a.m. Interfaith Prayers/songs-Golden Magnolia Sanctuary

• 11 am-12:30 pm CommUNITY Ecstatic Dance-Waterworks Park

• 12:30-1:30 pm lunch on own with “meaningful conversation”

• 2-5 pm Community collective musical dance theater collaboration with professional L.A. actor/comedian Eugene Meaux, celebrity publicist freestyle musician Bigga$tate, accomplished piano composer Gary Chigaros and area youth performer Jace Hannes and YOU and your family and friends!-Spayde Theater (MIU Library)

• 5 pm Meditation/Reflection/Break

• 6 pm Friendsgiving Potluck, Noble House

• 7:30 pm Art Contest Award by Mayor Connie Boyer and Public Performance at Spayde Theater (suggested donation $9-$19)

• 9:00 pm (Latin/Ballroom/Swing) with Paul Saipher-Morning Star Studio

All artists are invited to set up their art in community room at Golden Magnolia for sale along with Zoo of Love stuffed animals for purchase in support of PolioPlus.

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