Harborfest Names Interim Director

The Board of Directors for Harborfest have announced that Laurel Braun has been selected as interim director for Harborfest.

Vice President of the Board of Directors for Harborfest and Chairman of the
Personnel Committee, John Scardella welcomed Braun and acknowledged her ability
to serve as interim director. “We are pleased that Laurel has accepted this responsibility and has stepped up to help us with this year’s festival. Her familiarity with Harborfest and her knowledge of the festival will prove beneficial,” said Scardella.

A long time supporter of the festival, Braun has been associated with Harborfest for the past ten years. Her experience as a park manager, chair of the 50 / 50 raffle, entertainment coordinator, business manager and most recently board member makes her a perfect choice for interim director. She is well aware of how the festival operates and what it takes to plan for and operate an event of this magnitude.

“Having worn many different hats over the years with Harborfest I’ve had the unique opportunity to see the festival from many different angles,” said Braun. “I have a clear vision of what Harborfest is and what it means to this community. I look forward to an exciting event that will once again meet or exceed expectations.”

As interim director, Braun will be working closely with both staff and volunteer committees to ensure that Harborfest 2008 will be a success. She praised Mike Redding, the staff, and the board of directors for their hard work and thorough planning for Harborfest 2008. “Once again they have outdone themselves and have put together an amazing line up of entertainment. From our headline acts; Starship with Mickey Thomas and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts on the Labatt Lakeview Stage to a stunning array of blues and jazz performers on the NRG Family Stage and the exciting performances on the Budweiser Rock Stage, Harborfest will showcase a variety of music that’s sure to please.”

While music is an important part of the festival, Braun is quick to point out that Harborfest is much more than just music. “The children’s stage, the juried arts & crafts vendors, the midway, and of course the Entergy fireworks spectacular ensures that Harborfest offers plenty of entertainment for the whole family,” she added.

Braun will serve as interim director throughout the summer and will be on board to assist in making a smooth transition when a new director for Harborfest will be selected.

“I am happy to serve as the interim director of Harborfest. We are fortunate to have such a creative and hard working staff and the ability to draw from an accomplished group of dedicated volunteers. Over the years Mike Redding has been the standard bearer for Harborfest. Under his direction Harborfest has grown to achieve national and international fame. He has been a great friend and mentor as well as an outstanding director. He will be missed,” said Braun.

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