SANFORD, Fla. — For the fourth year, bands will play on front porches all around Sanford’s historic downtown neighborhood for Porchfest.

It’s crunch time for those getting ready for Sanford Porchfest — the nonprofit music festival kicks off Saturday morning.

And 100% of the donations from festival goers helps out the arts in the area.

Christina Hollerbach, with the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, said donations from Porchfest help several kids take part in summer theater camp.

“The funds that they raise, they were able to give scholarships to our summer camps,” she said. “Having people being able to give their kids something to do during the summer — that’s really great and It enriches their lives.”

In 2020, Porchfest organizers were able to donate $15,000 to arts programs.

So, even during the pandemic when a few festivals have canceled,  Porchfest organizers say, “The show must go on.”

Shelly Long, one of the co-founders of the music festival, said after this difficult year, it’s important for kids to enjoy art.

“We felt that this year was more important that ever to make sure we secured the funding to bring youth art programming to Seminole County,” said Long.

They’re taking several  safety precautions, including closing surrounding neighborhood roads so attendees can spread out to watch the musicians perform on the front porch, and  they’re also asking everyone to wear a mask.

“We did take a lot of consideration and work closely with the city to make sure we could bring you this event as safely as possible,” said Long.

Fifty bands will play on 12 porches around Sanford’s downtown historic neighborhood.

Hollerbach was looking forward to this summer when the money generated by Porchfest will help kids.

“Art, and summer camps especially, are a beautiful way to learn and it’s so great that Porchfest can provide that for the kids in our community,” said Long.

Porchfest has also worked with Seminole State College to develop a fine arts scholarship.

Sanford Porchfest is free, but they do appreciate donations.

The first bands take the stage at 11 a.m. and the festival lasts until 8 p.m.