DeaFestival-Kentucky 2004 was a HUGE success because of the partnerships made between state agencies, volunteers, local organizations and sponsors.

A volunteer who attended DeaFestival for the first time was asked what they thought of the festival and they said it was "fast, furious and large".  In order to pull this type of event off it does not only take a few people and the staff at the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing it takes a "village" and that village was comprised of:

65 volunteers (of all ages from various backgrounds and walks of life)

State agency support

The Kentucky Center for Performing Arts hosted the event in their beautiful facility.

The Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and Virginia Fox, Cabinet Secretary supported the concept of this festival and understands the value of "EDUCATING" the public.

The Folklife Festival staff from the History Center assisted us in creating the HAT House - (Hearing Assistive Technology).  Thousands of individuals were able to understand how technology can help if one has a hearing loss.

Financial support

Without the sponsors, we would not be able to keep this festival free to all individuals.  With this financial help, we were able to hire 43 performers and host 28 visual artists.

Exhibitors reached out to deaf and hard of hearing individuals sharing information and / or services that impacts everyday life.

Of course we cannot forget to thank all of the individuals who attended the festival either for the first time or the 6^th time.  Without YOU there would not be reason to have