by James Coulter

For the third year, Rockin on the Chain rocked out for a good cause with good music and food at Tanner’s Lakeside.

For three days, Tanner’s Lakeside in Winter Haven hosted the annual music festival benefiting Autism and special needs.

Nearly two dozen local bands and musicians performed live music along the scenic shores of Lake May on the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven.

This year’s lineup included local stars like Korey Ketchum, Kai7en, Jim & Judy Taylor, the Josh Blevins Bands, and the Jason Green Band.

Local musician Joey Foley not only performed live music on Friday evening, but he also served as the master of ceremonies over the weekend.

As a member of the committee who helped organize the even ever since its inception, Joey Foley was more than pleased with this year’s turnout.

“It always meets expectations,” he said. “I am asked that question every year, and my answer is that it is always amazing. We are doing a great job to make sure things happen. We expect no less than success and that is what we always have.”

John Straughn started the annual music festival as a spin-off of a former event, Rockin on the River, which had also served to raise proceeds benefiting Autism and special needs.

Straughn was more than pleased with this year’s turnout. He appreciates how the local community comes together to have fun and raise funds and awareness for a good cause.

“It has been amazing,” he said. “It is beyond our expectations. We have had good community support with sponsorships, it is a free event for people to go in and make raffles. It has been a positive experience.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward the Winter Hospital Haven Foundation. Mary Beth Corwith, Director of Community Outreach, loved seeing the fundraiser be as successful in raising funds and awareness for a cause she strives for.

“I appreciated the community and the people involved for giving their time and giving back to our community,” she said. “I am thrilled to be part of this event and group. The people leading it are exceptional, and that shows everyone who sets foot here that they are dedicated to the cause.”

Aside from good music, the event also provided good food with vendors including barbecue by the Brack Shack and burgers and soul food by Sassy Sugie.

Melissa Browne, who runs Sassy Sugie, appreciates how the event benefited special needs. Her own 4-year-old granddaughter (who gave her the affectionate nickname Sugie) has Autism.

“This event is very dear to our heart because she is autistic,” Browne said. “The event is amazing!”

The event also provided a kid’s zone, which included a bounce house and several small carnival-style games. Tim Bonifay and his wife helped supervise that area. Both of them keep returning to help with the event because they love to see so many folks happy for a good cause.

“We love to give back to the community,” he said. “We love seeing smiles on the kid’s faces when they play the games, and knowing this is going to help somebody in the future.”

Melanie Brown Culpepper has also been assisting with the event since its inception three years ago. As someone who assists with many other local fundraisers, including her own non-profit Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, she jumps at any opportunity to help her community.

“This year has been better than the last two years. It has gotten bigger and bigger,” she said. “It is absolutely an amazing turnout and a good day. We could not have asked for a better group of people coming together to make this happen.”