Hard work pays off
for bluegrass festival organizers
By Nancy Rogeski
Special to The Star-Herald
FORT FAIRFIELD — “Hard work pays off, you have certainly proved that.” “Great weekend, we all feel like we’re part of a big family.” “Great show, keep up the good work.” “Keep up the family atmosphere, that is the best thing about your festival.”
Photo courtesy of Nancy Rogeski
A PACKED HOUSE at the County Bluegrass Festival in Fort Fairfield with veterans standing as Dailey and Vincent sing a moving song dedicated to U.S. and Canadian veterans.
“Awesome festival, my first time here and I will be back.” These were just some of the positive comments heard by patrons of the County Bluegrass Festival in Fort Fairfield over the Labor Day Weekend.
The festival had its largest attendance ever at the Labor Day show, and all who attended left with a smile on their face. Festival hosts Stev and Nancy Rogeski say that visitors came to The County from as far away as Florida, Nebraska, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and everywhere in-between to see some of the best bluegrass bands in the U.S. and neighboring Canada.
The crowds were “wowed” by bands such as Zink and Company from Massachusetts, and the award-winning bands, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver and Dailey & Vincent, both from Tennessee. They performed before packed audiences under the cover of the unique pole barn venue offered at County Bluegrass. Darrin Vincent said from the stage, “It is our first time here and we are amazed at the incredible place you have, one of the best we’ve ever seen.” That’s quite a compliment coming from a band that is number-one in the country and appears everywhere across the U.S.
The County Bluegrass Festival has become a favorite event for many on their summer bluegrass festival circuit and is gaining in popularity all the time. The hospitality felt by visitors to County Bluegrass is evident in their survey comments, saying that they are well taken care of, both at the festival and by area merchants and individuals alike. The breathtaking views of farmlands, rivers and skylines are some of the best they ever see according to many. But, it’s the “people” that really take top rating. Everywhere they go, they say they are treated well, “just like family” many relay in their conversations with the Rogeskis, they “just love it here.”
The Rogeskis have worked tirelessly over the past five years to make improvements that would keep people coming back. This year, they added to both sides of the “pole barn” enclosure to allow for much more “under cover seating.” Bands and fans alike were pleased with this improvement. More electrical hookups were also added, which is a real “plus” for folks who come many miles to camp, often from festivals that only offered “dry camping.” So, being able to “plug in” puts a smile on their face.
With the hundreds of campers that rolled in to County Bluegrass this year came the biggest attendance ever, and many folks staying in local hotels. A great number of people reserved their camping lots for next year on their way out of town, and booked hotel rooms for the County Bluegrass Winter Festival held at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center in January. It’s a win-win for our entire area, and each year the patrons return and bring their friends, so it grows and grows. Hard work definitely pays off.
