Chandra LaHusen imagined a ukulele class for fourth and fifth grade students at London School. Fifteen students, ukuleles and an instructor. The dream was an easy one, the funding for it was a bit harder.

“I just thought we could come together as a community and then it grew into something bigger,” she said.

After talking to a group in Eugene about the possibility of bringing ukuleles to Cottage Grove, LaHusen started asking fellow community members and before she knew it, the first annual Springfest was born.

The event is scheduled for April 29 at the armory. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Bands Windy Ridge and Flies with Honey are scheduled to donate their time for the evening. 

The ukulele program will benefit from Springfest but according to LaHusen, the parent teacher organization who is helping put the benefit on, is hoping to have a wider reach. 

“The proceeds will go to supporting music, art and staffing at London School,” she said. "It will support staffing. We would love to get a full-time instructor but that's not possible from one fundraiser," she said noting the cost of a salary for the school. 

The London School currently benefits from Fantastic Fridays; a reward-based day that allow students to choose different activities such as yoga or art, led by community leaders who donate their time. Gloria Campuzano teaches students yoga while other activities include making crafts and reading. 

“It’s exciting to see so much enthusiasm behind a school event,” LaHusen said. “But it really is a way for the community to come together for some music and to help children because music and the arts feed a child’s soul.”

The Woodard Family Foundation donated funds to the cause with LaHusen noting that the community has made the Springfest possible.

"This is for the children so for the community to come together, it's exciting." 

Silent auction items include a quilt made by the local grange, a $40 certificate for Mecca Arts, a massage certificate and self-care baskets. Sponsors with varying donations of services and goods include Cascade, the Book Mine, Old Mill Farm Store, the Bread Peddlers, Health Revolution Chiropractic, High Wire Farm, In-Light Collective, Crescent Moon Yoga, Resilience Permacultre Design and Bochetta Day Spa. 

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door and can be purchased at Coast Fork Feed Store and Crafty Mercantile.