Haydenfest this Saturday!

Hayden Shrum, who passed away in May of 2010 from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, spent his last months planning this cancer awareness event, then called ‘Rockin’ the Park for Cancer Awareness.’ The event was a huge success, and friends and family have carried on the young man’s dream by continuing to host the outdoor music festival in his memory every year since his death.

Now entitled ‘Hayden Fest’ the festival focuses on Hayden’s love of music and passion for helping others who are battling cancer. 

This year there will be a beauty pageant beginning at 12 noon, followed by live music beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Musical entertainment will feature Jason Gammon, Super Sport, Mama Tried, Naked White Boys, and the Flat Rock Ramblers. Hayden Fest raises funds for area cancer victim’s and their families so they can recover from the unexpected and make strides toward becoming cancer survivors.

The Haunted Barn, a walk-thru dark attraction filled with chilling scenes, amazing special effects and incredible monsters will begin at dark. Admission is $5.

Hayden’s love for sports and writing led him to become a part-time summer sports writer here at the Macon County Chronicle, where he expressed a growing interest in journalism and photography. Most recently, he was inducted into the Macon County Sports Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments at Macon County High School and Vol State. 

He was born on November 17, 1986, and on May 4, 2009, Hayden received the biggest shock of his young life when he was diagnosed with leukemia. It was said that he spent the last year of his life living every day to the fullest and tried to enrich the quality of life for everyone he met. This young man certainly made a deep impression on people and although he may be gone, he will never be forgotten.

Admission is free. The event will also include bouncy house for kids, face painting, kids events, cake walk, great food and more.