Community Champion: Ronnie Barker
It’s time to recognize a Community Champion, an honor given to people making a positive impact in the community, in partnership with Leaders Credit Union.
For March of 2025 we introduce you to a father who is paying it forward, one wish at a time.
Ronnie Barker is the creator of an annual music festival, bringing more than entertainment to West Tennessee.
“The Jacob Barker music festival is a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Mid-South. We started doing this because my son was diagnosed with retinoblastoma when he was 2 and a half years old,” explained Ronnie Barker.
Ronnie says his son, Jacob, went through all of his treatments and thankfully beat cancer. Because of that journey, they were gifted a trip to Disney through Make-A-Wish.
“We got to go on our trip in May, which was like 3 weeks after the first Jacob Barker music festival. Me and my wife decided then that we wanted to give the money to Make-A-Wish,” Ronnie shared.
The Barkers have been organizing the Jacob Barker music festival since 2016, and Ronnie says they have formed a community to help get it done.
“So there is a core group of about 8 people that help me do this. This is not done by me alone,” Ronnie explained.
The music festival has around 20 bands perform every year, and Ronnie says it’s inspiring to see people willing to donate their talents.
“There is literally a waiting list of bands that want to play in this thing every year. It is so amazing how super talented these bands are first of all and then they’re super generous with their time,” Ronnie said.
So far, the proceeds of the festival have helped 6 children receive wishes.
“We’ve had music rooms, we’ve had Disney trips, we’ve had a swimming pool… that’s probably the cutest one,” Ronnie shared.
Ronnie says the music festival has now turned into a family affair.
“My daughter, she does all the face painting for the music fest every year now. Jacob, he’s actually sang twice on stage. They’ll help serve food, you know they get involved more than you think a 13 and 14 year old would,” Ronnie said.
He says they are always thankful for the volunteers and donations.
“We have a Facebook page ‘Jacob Barker music festival.’ We also have a website Jacobbarkermusicfest.com,” Ronnie shared. “Just google Make-A-Wish and see what they do. Go to Youtube and search for a Make-A-Wish reveal party. If that don’t get you wanting to get out and do something for somebody I don’t know what will.”
This year the Jacob Barker music festival will be held October 3rd and 4th at the AMP in downtown Jackson.
If you know someone doing good in their community, you can nominate them for the Community Champion award by clicking here.
