The 8th Annual Warren Folks Fest kicked off Saturday and drew over 1,000 people to Cutler Street for the celebration of music, art, culture, food, and drink that has only grown larger and larger since its first iteration.

According to Sally Turner, Executive Director of The Collaborative, the Warren arts nonprofit that plans and puts on the annual party, it was a resounding success that resulted in raising nearly $30,000, which helps fund The Collaborative’s creative programming throughout the year.

“Folks Fest 8 was a huge success this year and there are just too many people to thank for this,” Turner said. “First and foremost, it’s the folks who attend the event who are integral in making the Festival the vibrant celebration that it is. Of course, we could never begin to pull together a party for some 1,000-plus people without the support of our volunteers who work tirelessly to help plan Folks Fest, set it up and work throughout the day to ensure everyone is safe and having fun.”

Turner also thanked the event’s sponsors, including Narragansett Beer, who donates 100% of their proceeds to The Collaborative, Superior Comfort of Bristol, Reps. Jason Knight and June Speakman, and Navigant Credit Union.

“A host of small Warren businesses also came together to support our mission,” Turner added. “Helping us to raise close to $30,000 to ensure that The Collaborative can continue to provide free or low-cost, high-quality art experiences for everyone in our community.”