By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
Many people haven’t heard of Tommystock but it’s been a local tradition for years, and for the second year in a row they’re working to better the community.
Across Tommy’s Lake, and before Camp Agawam donned the green circle symbol of a township park, event organizers John Carson and Tim Williams have hosted the weekend long celebration in a back yard with some music, a tent, and a bonfire.
Last year Tommystock took full effect and became an official festival but it had a larger meaning than just some barbecues and loud music. It benefited the family of Marc DesRosiers, a fellow 1990 Lake Orion graduate, and friend of Carson and Williams, who died suddenly while on a jog with his wife and one of his children.
This year Tommystock is partnering with Bryan’s HOPE, which stands for Heroin Opiate Prevention & Education, a Waterford-based nonprofit organization that helps bring support, awareness, and education about the danger of prescription drug abuse as well as opiate and heroin addiction.
“There are fellow teammates, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers and kids that we know that are struggling, or have a family member that is struggling with opiate addiction, and I want to do something to help,” Carson said. “It’s hard to watch someone who is struggling, but even harder to see the pain and suffering that it brings to their families.”
The event features 22 bands beginning at 6 p.m. this Friday and ending at 6 p.m. on Sunday. all of which take place on the grounds of Camp Agawam. Carson and Williams want to encourage everyone to attend and use all the great amenities that Agawam offers, including their beach, fishing docks, trails and camp sites.
All the proceeds raised from Tommystock will benefit Bryan’s HOPE.
Carson first heard about Bryan’s HOPE from a mutual friend of Jeannie Richards, who lost her son, Bryan, to an overdose in 2012. With the topic of heroin use dominating many national news headlines and the extreme use of heroin and overdoses in Ohio, the organizers of Tommystock felt it appropriate to use their event as a voice for the dangers of opiate addition.
Bryan’s HOPE will be at the festival offering opioid overdose recognition and response training and other resources.
The Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary Club will be running a Beer Tent raising money for their local causes including Beds for Kids.
The cost is $25 for a 3 Day Pass, only $5 more if people want to camp for the two nights. Children 12 and under are free.
Daily passes are also available for $10 on Friday, $15 Saturday and $10 Sunday. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.com and can also be purchased at the gate.