It is the second week of college, and some people may be craving an alternative to the monotonous party scene. If this sounds like you, bring your best bundt cake, rest your singing voice and shine the sports car before heading down to Brimfield Gazebo Park.

Brimfest begins at 5 p.m. tonight and runs through Sunday. There will be a wide variety of activities and events to entertain festival-goers, such as skateboard and horseshoe competitions.

“Brimfest has been under the care of the Brimfield Chamber of Commerce for the last 10 years, and we anticipate it to be another chance for the old and young to interact and have fun together,” Brimfest Chairperson Dee Pamer said. Pamer has been the chairperson for Brimfest for the past four years.

The fair will also provide an opportunity for people to show various talents and hobbies. From baking to singing and hot dog eating contests to a car show, the fair finds ways to bring all types of people together.

One of the most popular events in the past has been “Brimfield Idol,” a knock-off of the popular TV show “American Idol.” After pre-registering and paying a $5 fee, contestants are given the opportunity to sing in front of a judge and win cash prizes.

This year’s volunteer emcee for the event is Pat Vaughn from Soundstream Entertainment. Anyone interested in singing must call him before the Saturday pre-registration for the allotted music selection.

The last day of the festival will play host to a car show. Car owners who enter their cars for an $8 entry fee are given the chance to take home one of 25 trophies for various categories.

If singing is not a forte or money is tight, there are many other events that do not cost money, but deserve attention. These events include the birds of flight show, a karate demo and a Jaws of Life demo performed by the Brimfield Fire Department.

Brimfest is not only important as a bonding experience, but also as a source of money for the community to prosper.

“We use the money to buy hats, mittens and gloves for the local elementary schools,” Pamer said. “If a child comes to school without these things and must go on recess, we give them a brand new pair.”

The money is also given as scholarships to seniors at Field High School, the police and fire departments, the Community Food Cupboard and used to install a new electric service in the town center to be used by the community.

For more information on Brimfest, visit http://www.brimfieldchamber.com.

Contact off-campus entertainment reporter Tiffany Strong at [email protected].