Following a series of tornadoes that swept across southeast Iowa in March, efforts have been non-stop to help affected individuals and families restore what they lost. This Sunday, the City of Wellman will be the site of a music festival with the goal of replacing trees and windbreaks in Washington County that were damaged as a result of the storms.

The event, which will be hosted by Bad Angle Events, takes place at the Wellman Community Park from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 16. The evening features performances from The Young Ramblers, Ryne Doughty, and Old Man Band. Multiple vendors will be on site offering food and beverages.

Melanie Schweitzer, a landscape designer by trade, has been closely involved with the planning of the festival. She tells KCII her inspiration for putting on the event. “There’s lots of families that lost homes and barns and equipment and livestock, and trees are probably the least of their worries. But it’s one way that we can just try and help let them know that people care. I know so many of their other needs have been taken care of and they’re working on those but trees I’m sure go to the wayside because of more important worries. So if that’s one little thing I can do to help I want to do it.”

With help from multiple volunteers, including the Wellman Rotary chapter, the festival is a non-ticketed event and free for all to attend. Tax-deductible donations will be accepted at the event and will go towards Trees Forever. For those unable to attend, additional donations may be made here.