The First Annual Galveston United Beach and Music Fest (GUBMF) was held on June 24 at East Beach in Galveston. The event was conceived by the Galveston Park Board (GPB) as an opportunity to give back to the island while also providing an entertaining and memorable event for both visitors and locals. The GUBMF was centered around the stage at East Beach where Cantina visitors on the north side could enjoy the shade, breeze, views, and beverages while watching the bands. On the south side of the stage, United Way, Catholic Charities, and Moody Early Childhood Center provided family-friendly activities like shell painting, bubble blowing, a sunscreen station, and more. There was also a VERY competetive cornhole tournament that benefitted the United Way.

Back over at the Cantina, and out on the beach, attendees soaked up the sun and the tunes while they sipped on cool beverages and ate tasty food. Fun Fact: You can rent a cabana on the waterfront, and have food and drinks delivered TO YOUR CHAIR from East Beach Cantina.

Vince Lorefice from GPB led the team, organizing logistics and ensuring that the music, activities, and everything in between went very smoothly and very safely. Alex Thomas from GPB coordinated an AMAZING music lineup that kept people dancing and singing from 10 am to well past 6 pm. The Jameson Family wins the award for volunteers of the year – they slayed set-up, created a cornhole tournament, painted all the activity signs by hand, and stayed the ENTIRE DAY from 6 am till after 7 pm.

Cupid may have stole the show, but the heart of our community was beating strongly while we danced together and smiled and laughed and forgot how hot it was. We are so grateful for the spirt of community that made this event special. Everyone who volunteered with us on the beach on Saturday, June 24, was working in solidarity, and we are still grinning from the happy, happy day that we had.

Part of that permagrin is coming from a very generous donation that we received on July 11 from Lisa and Robbie Carnes. They promised United Way of Galveston 10% of sales from June 24, and they more than made good on that promise! We are so grateful for this gift that will help us continue our mission into year 101!

By the way, if you have not been to East Beach in a while, ask anyone who joined us on June 24; they will tell you that you are missing out on one of the most beautiful sections of Galveston, and the best corn dogs and frozen lemonade that our Executive Director has ever had. Ever.

THANK YOU to each and every person who helped make June 24 possible. YOUR HELP #changeseverything.