Long Island's first renaissance/rock festival planned to honor beloved teacher

WHEATLEY HEIGHTS, N.Y. - May 19, 2016 - PRLog -- On June 11, 2016, Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights will be the location of the first ever SmesFest, Long Island's renaissance and rock festival in honor of beloved teacher Douglas Smestad. The event will feature live music, craft vendors, games and medieval demonstrations. Open from noon to 7:30pm, this is a family friendly event.

Mr. Smestad was a longtime world history teacher at Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick. Following his battle with cancer and passing in September of 2015, Smestad's Knights, a club formed by students and teachers at Calhoun begun planning SmesFest to celebrate the life of this extraordinary man. Mr. Smestad loved music, and was a member of Medieval Scenarios and Reenactments, a not for profit education group that recreates the middle ages in the tri-state area. Funds raised at this event will be donated to Candlelighters NYC, an affiliate of the American Childhood Cancer Organization, and Sunrise Day Camp; these worthy charities support pediatric cancer patients and their families.

SmesFest has been largely organized by high school students, former students of Mr. Smestad's who were so touched by his positivity and dedication. The event will feature performances by Tom San Filippo of Half Step, Gianni Paci, several of Mr. Smestad's former students, members of Calhoun's On Tour drama club and more. Members of Medieval Scenarios and Recreations will be on hand to give patrons a taste of the middle ages. Tickets are on sale now at http://smestadsknights.yapsody.com/event/index/36164/smes... and more information, including performers and vendors lists can be found at http://www.smestadsknights.com.

Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds is located at 75 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights. SmesFest will run from 12-7:30pm on Saturday, June 11, 2016. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12 years of age, senior citizens and high school or college students.