KYMfest will be hosted at Lakeview Park on Saturday, June 1 in Nampa. It’s an annual festival to help those who are going through difficult times find kindness and community.
It started as a celebration of life for Kymberlee Larsen, who died in a domestic violence incident six years ago. Her sister, Chelsea Larsen, wanted to honor Kym’s memory and started KYMfest - the “Kind Your Mind” festival. She is also the founder of the nonprofit For You Network, Inc.
When asked about the festival and what services will be available, she said “What kind of sets us apart is that a large portion of our vendors are actually community resource booths,” and that by having so many resources in one place, it helps raise awareness about what's out there for people who are dealing with trauma and grief.
There will be a variety of activities and new contests for families to participate in, and a lineup of entertainment for all to enjoy at the festival this year.
Chelsea said they are expecting several organizations at KYMfest that specialize in counseling and services related to rehabilitation, mental health and violence prevention.
While not a faith-based event, Larsen says several churches will have booths, as will alternative healing groups and a large variety of local organizations people might be less familiar with.
“I have put an emphasis on making it as culturally diverse and inclusive as possible,” she said and hopes it will be easier for others to find something that works for them and their lifestyle.
“We're all human, but we're from different walks of life, and we all struggle with similar things,” she added.
There will be a memorial wall where visitors are encouraged to write the names of loved ones who have passed and take a moment to honor their memory, as a way to continue the celebration of life.
“Kym spelled her name K-Y-M, so we adapted her name to mean ‘Kind Your Mind,” said Larsen. “That's what it's all about, compassion and coming from a place of love.”
To Chelsea, it’s important to focus on people’s humanity and not their differences. Healing is about how to find empathy and compassion for others and ourselves.
