While at the festival, you can assist Rollin Thurlow and his team in building the National Folk Festival Canoe, appropriately named the American Beauty.

The American Beauty is a smaller version of the popular 171/2-foot Atkinson Traveler. In keeping with its Maine Guide canoe lineage, the Beauty is an excellent all-purpose canoe. It tracks very well, yet its modest rocker and short length ensure easy maneuverability. Designed primarily as a solo tripper, it can also be used as a tandem canoe. Its light weight and ease of carrying make it an excellent canoe for those seeking the joys of a wooden canoe without the extra size and weight of a traditional model.

This traditional wood-and-

canvas canoe will be raffled off during the festival. The lucky winner will be announced on Sunday, Aug. 26. Proceeds from the raffle will go toward bringing you next year’s festival. So buy lots of tickets!