KEVIN BAIRD

The community is invited to celebrate the life of East Palestine resident and musician Kevin Baird at the first annual Kevin Baird Music Festival, a one-day event dedicated to raising awareness for undiagnosed diabetes.

The festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Shaker Woods in Columbiana.

The event was organized after Kevin Baird’s tragic passing on May 9 from complications of type 1 diabetes.

Family and friends are launching the Kevin Baird Foundation to raise awareness about the condition and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

All proceeds from the inaugural event will help offset expenses for his wife, Rebecca, with future events supporting music scholarships and diabetes awareness.

The festival promises a full day of music and community spirit, with gates opening at 10 a.m. and the first band taking the stage at 11 a.m and music ending at 8 p.m.

The lineup features a diverse range of local talent, including: Hair Supply, Kickin’ Ash Blue Grass Band, One of these Nights, Miss Chief, Wells Brothers, The Project Band, Slumber and The Chub Scouts.

In addition to the live music, attendees can enjoy a variety of food and beer vendors. The event will also feature raffles –including a **gun and a guitar raffle — as well as raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing. Guests are reminded to bring their own chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy the performances.

Tickets are $25 per person. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased online at shakerwoodshelpinghands.com or with cash upon entering the parking lot on the day of the event.

Community members wishing to donate a raffle basket can message the event organizers directly through their social media channels or drop them off at Bea’s Insurance in East Palestine by Sept. 18.

For more information, follow the Kevin Baird Music Festival on Facebook.