BOSTON- The nonprofit Boston Arts and Entertainment Society held its annual July Jam on Saturday afternoon, welcoming nearly 300 individuals to the small town.
The brainchild of Silo owner Ashland Edwards, the July Jam was created to give residents a fun outlet for entertainment and exposure to the arts. However, last year, she and Besties owner Logan Smith began BAES, allowing the event to grow and reach more people.
“It’s evolved and has grown into this community event everyone looks forward to,” Edwards said. “It allows us to raise money so we can bring more things like this to Boston.”
As a small business owner, Edwards said she has enjoyed creating a non-profit to partner with other small businesses, crafting connections, and bringing customers into town.
While the July Jam is not a direct fundraiser, Edwards explained it brings awareness to the arts and shows the town the endless possibilities of Boston.
“We would like to eventually get some series and utilize the church that the city owns to get a drama troupe or one-act play,” she said. “We’ve hosted Thomas University and other events out there and think it has the possibility to become Thomasville Center for the Arts on a much smaller scale.”
However, building up the program will take time. In the meantime, Edwards and Smith will continue hosting their BINGO nights throughout the year, with the money going toward the general fund, and they are currently planning a family-friendly event for the fall, which will be known as Fall for Boston and include carnival-themed activities.
“We want this to be a place parents can bring and enjoy time with their kids,” Edwards said. “They don’t have to go elsewhere to find festivals and entertainment.”
As the event draws near, BAES will provide more updates on what parents and kids can expect.
