Bangor businesses appear ready for 65th National Folk Festival

BANGOR – Downtown businesses may have a better idea of what to expect with this year’s National Folk Festival, following a low turnout at Tuesday night’s informational meeting at the Sea Dog.

As part of the lead up to the late-August event, local festival organizers held four meetings to inform businesses how the festival could affect business.

While last year’s informational meetings were well-attended by area businesses, Tuesday night’s meeting turned up only one inquisitive organization, For Kids’ Sake, a nonprofit resource for divorcing families. It was interested in selling T-shirts during the festival as a fund-raiser.

This year, businesses seem to know what to expect, Heather McCarthy, festival coordinator, said after the meeting.

“Although it’s a little disappointing not to have a large turnout, it means we’re getting our message out in other ways,” McCarthy said.

Festival organizers also are being more proactive about tying the festival to the downtown. An archway entry portal is planned for West Market Square and also will be an official stop on the festival’s shuttle line, McCarthy said.

“We at least want people to know how close this festival is to a wonderful downtown,” McCarthy said.

The archway is a positive move for bringing people into the heart of the downtown during the festival weekend, according to Brad Ryder, board member of the festival and owner of Epic Sports.

Even with the stronger visual tie to the festival, the impetus will fall on downtown businesses to reach out to festival-goers with attention-grabbers like sidewalk promotions, Ryder said.

“Let’s invite the people, not just to the festival, but to downtown Bangor,” Ryder said. “I think the excitement is going to be here.”

In other developments, those planning to attend the festival can expect shorter waits for food as organizers have booked 50 percent more food vendors than last year, McCarthy said. Additionally, the popularity and crowding at last year’s dance tent have led organizers to expand the size of the attraction, she said.