The city of Bangor long has been recognized for the beauty of its central and historic waterway, the Penobscot River. Likewise, many in our community appreciate the rich cultural and artistic country we call America. All of this comes together as we welcome the 65th National Folk Festival.

As a city, we welcome our own residents to the National Folk Festival and hope they will take pride in what it brings to and says about their own back yard. As the festival hosts, we also welcome our neighbors from Greater Bangor and other, far-reaching areas.

The sounds, tastes and smells of many cultures are the main fare for this weekend, but we hope you will continue to discover the gifts of the region beyond these three special days.

More and more we are understanding the strong connection between the vitality of the arts and the role that plays in attracting business to our area. Likewise when we talk with our youth and our own children, they also want that kind of “life” in their city. Why not invite some of your family who now live “away” and have them see the city that Bangor has become?

Welcome to Bangor!

John Rohman

City Councilor, City of Bangor

Chairman, National Folk Festival