JAMES CITY COUNTY — What started as a fundraiser for a small, local food pantry in New Kent County is now known annually as the Jenna Bash Festival and the 17th edition will be held Aug. 3 at LifePointe Christian Church in Toano.
The carnival-style family event is a celebration of Jenna Grace King, who passed away in a car accident at the age of 17 in 2008.
The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will include games, inflatables and a waterslide for the kids (a $5 wristband includes all kids activities plus prizes), vendors both indoors and out, food by Holy Smoke, a bake sale, adoptions by the New Kent Humane Society, a butterfly release, live music, spins at the Restaurant Wheel, and a huge silent auction.
The annual fundraising event raises money for Proclaiming Grace Outreach, which provides a food pantry, clothing and other services to help the disadvantaged and those facing economic hardships. A $5 parking donation is requested.
The need for such services is growing in the rural areas of New Kent County and James City County. The Jenna Bash Festival helps to support the food pantry, local high school scholarships, car and home repairs, clothing for local shelters and more.
In 2023, the event raised $65,000 for the community.
Visit Proclaiming Grace Outreach for more information.
