By MaryMargaret Portera
Special to the Aroostook Republican
Performers from all around the country gathered in New Sweden to participate in the 2011 annual Arootsakoostik Music Festival. The event was held July 9 in Thomas Park and welcomed performers who traveled from as far away as Austin, Texas.
Aroostook Republican photo/Michael A. Gudreau
The much-anticipated Arootsakoostik Music Festival took to the stage Saturday in New Sweden under friendly skies and seasonally warm temperatures. Organizers are pleased with the growth of the 5-year-old fund-raising event that showcases musicians, including Jacob Augustine of the Lincoln area (shown here), from around the country and draws listeners from near and far.
Families and pets gathered in the park to play games, buy their favorite Maine-made products, enjoy a bite to eat, and have a lot of fun listening to the music. A food drive was also held during the festival to support the local food pantry, an annual tradition at this event. Blues, jazz, folk and contemporary performers could be heard throughout the park all day during the festival on two stages.
Travis Cyr, the coordinator for the event, was more than happy to be able to participate in the event for around 500 people and over 20 different performers. In its fifth year, the Aootsakoostik Music Festival was able to attract people from all over the state to come and join in the fun.
“I am very proud of what we’re doing and thankful to the sponsors and people of New Sweden for their support,” Cyr said.
One group of performers that was really excited to join in the fun was Milkman’s Union from Portland. With band members coming from big cities such as Boston and Washington, D.C., they were happy to participate in a festival located in an area where the resources for a wide variety is not available year round. It was the band’s first year participating in the festival, and they look forward to being part of Arootsakoostik next year.
Fans following the bands that participated can most certainly expect to see them back at the music festival again next year. Proceeds for the festival helped benefit the Caribou Children’s Museum, and organizers also have plans to help restore Thomas Park.
