The fifth incarnation of Breastfest in Maple Ridge has morphed into a family-oriented festival - but with its rock roots still intact.

Breastfest will be at Memorial Peace Park this Saturday with bands lined up to play throughout the event which starts at 3 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m.

The first Breastfest was almost held in a backyard in Ruskin, said Chad Williams, president of United Circle of Arts Society, which is hosting the event.

But the central location of Memorial Peace Park was chosen for Breastfest 08, which featured six bands and headshaves.

While the non-profit group United Circle of Arts Society is the main organizer of Breastfest this year, Williams attributes much of the event's success to volunteers outside their group who have pitched in to help organize.

Much has changed since the first year Breastfest was held, Williams said. And attendance has grown from about 400 the first year to about 1,000 at last year's event.

Breastfest began as a youth-oriented event, but this year's event has changed its focus to include more family-oriented activities.

There will be music that will appeal to a larger audience - not just heavy metal which has been a staple of past festivals.

An art sale, a kids zone, and a car show will be part of the festival.

The kids zone will include a bouncy castle, a tots inflatable area as well as games and activities.

"Each year awareness of Breastfest has also grown and we have received sponsorships and attention from avenues we never expected at the beginning," Williams said.

For example, the festival is being sponsored by 99.3 The Fox.

In previous years, proceeds from Breastfest have gone to the Canadian Cancer Society but this year proceeds from Breastfest will go directly to Ridge Meadows Hospital for cancer prevention and to help patients cope with cancer.

"This way we can really control where the money goes and see a change in our own community," Williams said.

All the bands and the sound engineer are volunteering their time for Breastfest.

Bands lined up for this year's Breastfest are Centrefold, The Bone Daddies, Whisky Jack, Crystal Swells, Ruskin, SolidRed, and The Mortimers.

Breastfest is free and runs from 3 to 10 p.m. at Memorial Peace Park on Saturday, Aug. 18.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com