The Nate Robson / The Citizen

What started out as a backyard barbecue 12 years ago has grown into a party and fundraising event for local charities.

Chris Major, organizer for the annual Majorpalooza, said the event originally started out as a way for him and his friends to prepare for summer, but eventually grew into a fundraiser when he added a children's jumpy house and live music to accommodate his guests.

This year's event will feature four bands; NTLB; One Sweet World, a Dave Matthews tribute band; Motley Crouton, and Johnny Bender.

“This literally started with 20 guys in my backyard,” Major said. “Then it started to grow as more people wanted to come, and one of my friends said we could start charging people and donating the proceeds to a charity ... My friend Dave Gillmore said we could call it Majorpalooza.”

The whole premise behind the event, Major said, is to provide an inexpensive family experience while supporting local charities. Last year the event raised $2,500, and this year Major wants to donate at least $3,600 to the Relay for Life, Hospice of the Finger Lakes and the Matthew House.

While many events have a cover charge in addition to fees to participate in any activities, Major said, at Majorpalooza parents only have to pay one flat rate for themselves while their children can get in and play the games for free.

Even though he could raise more money by doubling the entrance fees, Major said he is happy if he can cover the overhead costs for providing free food and entertainment while still donating a couple thousand dollars.

“I'm just big on having a cheap, fun outing for families,” Major said. “I don't want to nickel-and-dime parents. Everything is free once you get inside.”

Even in its 12th year, Majorpalooza continues to grow.

This year, Vin Gleason, founder of The Run4Life, said there will be an officially timed 5-kilometer race before the main event.

Because this year's event is focusing on cancer-related charities, Gleason said the run will hand out awards in memory of community members who have either died or are fighting the disease.

“The unique thing about this race is that we will be giving out 100 awards named after local family members who have passed away or survived cancer,” Gleason said. “Instead of having a medal that you put on a bookshelf and forget about as it collects dust, it will be engraved with the names of those people; it will tell their story.”

Children will also get a chance to put their endurance to the test with a free kids run which will take place after the 5k.

Major said he wants to see the two runs become a regular part of Majorpalooza.

“I want them to come back and do it again next year,” Major said. “We want to get different people each year naming a medal after their loved ones. This is suppose to be a community event and we want to get the community involved any way we can.”

Nate Robson

253-5311 ext. 248

nathan.robson@lee.net

If you go.

What: Majorpalooza Run4Life 5K and Fun Run

When: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and 5k starts at 10 a.m., Sunday, May 24; Fun Run is at 11 a.m.

Where: Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., Auburn

Cost: Adults $25; 18 and younger $18; tickets include entry to Majorpalooza

Info: Call 730-0603

What: Majorpalooza

When: 11:30 a.m. to midnight

Where: Auburn Correctional Facility Training Center, Franklin Street Road, Auburn

Cost: $7 for adults and free for children

Info: Call 730-0603