Mud will be flung: 10th Daniel Barden Mudfest honors first-grader killed at Sandy Hook

On May 4 (to quote Bette Midler), “Mud Will Be Flung.”

But don’t worry. It’s all in good fun and for a good cause.

That’s the date for the 10th running of the Daniel Barden Mudfest at MJK Farms in Deansboro.

The Mudfest (basically a fun obstacle course featuring heavy doses of – well, mud) is named after Daniel Barden, who was one of the first graders killed in Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

The first event was held in 2014, and it has continued every year except for the COVID years of 2020 and 2021

In addition to keeping Daniel’s memory alive, Mudfest raises money for the Barden Adventure Scholarship, which gives eighth graders in the greater Utica and Danbury, CT areas an opportunity to take part in an all-expense paid 10-day canoe and camping trip through the Adirondacks.

Scholarship recipients also choose a charity they feel deserves proceeds from the Daniel Barden Mudfest. All in all, the Mudfest has raised over $$300,000 for assorted charities.

And in addition to doing something good, the Mudfest is flat-out fun. With events running all day long, you are allowed to, nay, encouraged, to wallow in mud pits and get as dirty as possible while conquering challenging obstacle courses.

But one inviting aspect many overlook is the music, which features top acts donating their time throughout the day.

Anthony “Z” Donaldson, who has hired the bands since the event’s inception, explains how and why he became involved.

“I’ve been friends with [event organizers Dan and Melissa Williams] for a long time and when they were putting this together 10 years ago, I wanted to jump in and lend my knowledge on booking live entertainment and production,” says Z. “Plus it’s a way for me to give back not only to our community but the Newtown, CT community too.”

Kicking off the musical festivities will be singer-songwriter J. Schnitt, with his hard-hitting and amusing social and political commentary.

Taking the stage next will be special appearances by two bands led by Mark Barden, father of Daniel Barden: Artie Tobia Band, followed by Alternate Universe. Both bands offer a mix of Motown, classic rock, blues and funk.

Finally, Barden Mudfest perennials Grit N Grace, who have performed at this function every year it’s been run, bring the festivities to a close with their unique blend of high-energy country, rock, and dance music.

And it’s not just the bands donating their time. The event could not have happened without the help of the many volunteers, including Jeff Clanton, who is in charge of production.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Daniel Barden Mudfest on May 4 benefits Barden Adventure Scholarship