Every year, the festival draws more and more people to the event. Some nights, the crowds reach nearly 20,000 people.
This year’s event set-up will be similar to past years and there plenty of space for people to spread out in the park.
“We are really proud of the music we have lined up,” said Rotarian Jill Magelssen. “We have some of the best of the best.”
The lineup for this year includes SBG! favorites, including two performances by both the Killer Vees and Fabulous Armadillos. See a complete band lineup here.
One of the most significant milestones this summer will be attendance. In 2019, SBG! brought in more than 130,000 people so the total attendance during the first nine years is 884,062. With this year’s all-star lineup, the Rotary hopes to surpass one million in total SBG! audience.
“It’s been wonderful to see everything come together and see how wonderful everybody is that we work with,” Magelssen said. “To celebrate our tenth year with so much passion and drive is special.”
Some of the new things this year will include a point of sale system in Eastman Tavern, the beer garden. The beverage selection from Viking Coke this year will also include seltzers in addition to beer and wine, all in individual containers. See the full menu here.
It’s an opportunity to possibly meet new people, experience new things, and it gives a showcase to some of our local talent.
St. Cloud resident Lisa Sabyan has been attending SBG! since the beginning.
“Summertime by George! gives a place and reason to gather during the summer,” said Sabyan, who loves the variety of music played at the festival. “It’s an opportunity to possibly meet new people, experience new things, and it gives a showcase to some of our local talent.”
Decade of Music
After 10 seasons, the Rotary is more than happy with SBG! and the community response.
“It’s become habit and tradition,” Tripp said. “It’s been a lifestyle to get the community together for a good night of music, food, and family fun.”
But it’s more than just the music and fun that keeps the event going. It’s the community-building aspect that makes the SBG! so powerful.
“Music can bring community together,” Tripp said. “If we can bring music into people’s lives, our mission has been accomplished.”
Music can bring community together. If we can bring music into people’s lives, our mission has been accomplished.
Community Impact
SBG! is the St. Cloud Rotary‘s most visible community project, but one of the significant impacts of the festival isn’t as apparent. The net proceeds from popcorn, beer, wine, t-shirts, and raffle tickets go back into the Club’s 501c3 nonprofit foundation. Those proceeds then go back into the community.
The event has helped fund Pathways 4 Youth, a youth resource center for youth 16-24 years old experiencing homelessness or at risk. The St. Cloud Rotary Club also partnered with the city of St. Cloud on a Community Outpost (known as the Cop House) on the southside of the city. And, Mayor Kleis said the Rotary is also partnering with the city on the River Walk.
The newest signature project that Rotary has funded with SBG! proceeds is Preschool 4 Success. This program, in partnership with District 742 and the Boys and Girls Club, will offer preschool services to 60 four-year-old children starting in fall 2021.
