In response to comments, NQID offerings have expanded

So much has been said about the barbecue competition that is happening as part of the Not Quite Independence Day celebration — specifically the fact that it’s an event that is anticipated to grow throughout the years and will bring people beyond Waterbury to the area. 

Although that is true, I feel it needs to be said that NQID is still an event that is planned by Waterbury community members for Waterbury community members.

There have been many challenges planning this event in the last several years, the most obvious being the displacement of the festival area due to Tropical Storm Irene. There have also been challenges in relationship to the type of event that is offered.

The current NQID committee has been organizing the event for three years now. In the last three years, there has been consistent feedback regarding the event. The desire for more music and floats in the parade, more options in food offerings, the carnival is too expensive, “I live in Waterbury and I don’t recognize very many people here” — these are just some of comments that we have heard.

We had the opportunity this year to do something entirely different in bringing a nationally recognized barbecue competition that is Food Network-worthy to our event. With over 1,000 pre-sold tickets, it’s clear that this event has garnered considerable interest already. Some of that interest comes from outside the Waterbury area, but much of it is from within our very own community. This tells me that there is interest in an event such as this locally. 

So what else makes this a local event? We have seven concerts planned over the two days. All artists are well-known locally, with four of the seven bands having roots in Waterbury. The Saturday bands are Jennie Johnson & The Junketeers, Tammy Fletcher, Seth Yacovone Blues Trio, Grundlefunk and Still Kickin’. Sunday bands include Jamie Lee Thurston and Dark Horse, featuring Waterbury’s own George Seymour. 

Although there will be no carnival this year, a lot of well-thought-out family activities are planned. Many of the activities are designed to be enjoyed without any additional costs, and for those things that do have a cost, the cost is very minimal, which in the end makes this a more cost-effective event for the full family.

There will be carnival-style games with prizes given, a bounce house obstacle course, climbing wall, selfie station and more. There will be volleyball and horseshoes available, and let’s not forget the fourth annual pie baking contest on Sunday and fantastic fireworks display on Saturday evening. 

I have been asked many times what you get for the admission price. I hope the things listed above help people better understand the value of this event, but if that is not enough, there is more.

The Waterbury Rotary Club proceeds from this event go back into the community. This event helps support and sponsor the free Concerts in the Park, annual Easter egg hunt, Santa in the Park, the Senior Center, library, food shelf, Harwood Union High School scholarships, Youth Exchange and so much more. 

What makes this event truly local is the fact that, by your participation, you are helping to support the community through all that is outlined above, while having a good time.

I encourage folks to come out and enjoy some great music and food, while visiting with friends and family and most of all supporting local! For more information, visit greenmountainbbq.com or waterburynqid.com.

Patty Meade, an active member of the Waterbury Rotary Club, lives in Waterbury. Comment on this column here, or email letters to news@waterburyrecord.com.