In celebration of the Branford Festival’s 40th anniversary this year, its all-volunteer board and committees are working to raise $40,000 to keep this town tradition going well into the future.

Run entirely by volunteers, the Branford Festival depends on contributions from individuals, businesses and sponsors to put on Branford’s largest community event. This summer, the 40th annual Branford Festival will take place on the Branford Green from Friday, June 14 through Sunday, June 16.

While June is still a few months off, the time to show your support for the future of the festival is now, said Branford Festival Board president Maria Schilder and president-elect Colin Sheehan.

“We’re always thinking about the festival -- as soon as it ends, we’re thinking about raising funds for the next one,” said Schilder. “This year, to help us meet our 40th anniversary campaign fundraising goal of $40,000, we need people to start thinking about the festival now. We’re looking to support the continued success of the festival.”

The festival, which charges no admission fee, spans three days on Father’s Day weekend. Thousands of local residents, families and friends gather on the historic town green to enjoy premiere entertainers for live music concerts, tempting food selections from over a dozen vendors, venues to enjoy local talent, kids activities and crafts, a ticketed midway and much more.

“If we could raise $40,000 this year, for our 40th year, to make sure we always have room for the next two or three festivals, it would be amazing,” said Sheehan. “I just know that people of all ages love the festival. I know people who plan their vacations around festival weekend.”

From its updated website (branfordfestival.com), to its special 40th anniversary logo, to a greater and more active presence on social media, and several upcoming events and opportunities, the Branford Festival is putting on a push to kick-start contributions, excitement, and contributions from community members. Volunteers are also always needed and welcome, with more information available at the website.

The Branford Festival’s effort to help drive $40,000 in for the 40th anniversary kicked off on Feb. 28 and will continue with several additional special events which will celebrate the history, and the future, of the ‘fest.

At the Feb. 28 kick-off at Thimble Island Brewing Company, dozens of community members and Branford Festival Board and committee members attended to help raise over $1,200. The evening also unveiled this year’s Branford Festival live music lineup, including headliners LoVeSeXy Tribute to Prince; and Live & Let Die: A Tribute to Paul McCartney.

Upcoming events and opportunities to celebrate and support the 40th anniversary campaign will be shared at the website and on social media including the Branford Festival Facebook page (@thebranfordfestival).

To mark its 40th anniversary, the Branford Festival is accepting submissions for “Moms of the Decades,” a campaign celebrating Branford moms; as an added twist to the Branford Festival’s Father Day tradition. Community members can share what makes their mom so special and how they’ve impacted the lives of others. A select number of entrants and their loved ones will be invited to a special event at Thimble Island Brewing Company in May.

An additional tie-in with Thimble Island Brewing Company will be the Branford Festival custom blend, coming out for the month of June, featuring a local pet on the label. Community members can put their pet (of any variety) in the running to be selected to star on the label. Entrants will submit a photo of their pet with a small donation; with all donations go directly to the Branford Festival. More details will be shared soon at the festival’s social media and website.

As a member of the young adult generation, and the next person to take on the leadership of the Branford Festival Board, Sheehan said his priority will be to continue the board’s goal of ensuring the future of the festival.

“I just want to make sure we’re here to stay, so Branford residents and members of my generation can continue to have their growing and expanding families experience the festival the way we did as kids,” said Sheehan. “It’s what makes our community of Branford shine, and what makes Branford so special.”

As always, but especially as part of the 40th anniversary campaign, donations of any amount made to the Branford Festival are encouraged and appreciated. To make a contribution, visit the Branford Festival website at branfordfestival.org and click on “donate.”