From 2002 to 2004, the city of Bangor was host to the 64th, 65th and 66th National Folk Festivals, celebrating traditional performing arts from cultures around the globe and entertaining tens of thousands of people each year. As the Bangor Waterfront has drawn more and more Folk Festival fans, plans were launched to extend the festival past the three years of the National.

Now we are pleased to welcome you to the inaugural year of The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront, carrying on the tradition established by the National. The American Folk Festival is produced by the Bangor Folk Festival, in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the city of Bangor, Eastern Maine Development Corp. and the Maine Folklife Center at the University of Maine.

In this inaugural year of The American Folk Festival, we invite you to enjoy the diverse cultural traditions including Swedish, bluegrass, Quebecois, ska, rockabilly, salsa, Cajun, flamenco and others.

Plus, mark your calendars for Aug. 25-27, 2006, for the continuation of Bangor’s new tradition: The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront.

Festival admission

Admission is free for all festival programs, including performances, demonstrations and children’s activities.

Festival parking

People familiar with downtown Bangor are invited to park in any street-side parking, surface lots or the Pickering Square Parking Garage.

Those less familiar with downtown Bangor should park at the Bass Park complex off Buck Street. Parking fees are $5 per vehicle daily, or $10 per vehicle for a three-day parking pass. Volunteer parking attendants will be on-site to help direct festival attendees. Free shuttle service will take people to The American Folk Festival site on the Penobscot River waterfront.

Bicycles

Valet bicycle parking will be available on the festival site in a bike parking area overseen by festival volunteers and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

Maine state law requires a headlight and rear red reflectors visible from at least 500 feet when riding at night. Flashing taillights and light-colored and reflective clothing are highly recommended. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 16 but are recommended for everyone.

Information booths, festival schedules

General festival information, the performance schedule and area information will be available at three information booths: near the Railroad Stage portal, the Food Court and the Heritage Stage.

What if it rains?

Most festival stages and presentations are covered by tents. If the weather appears threatening, bring an umbrella. The show will go on, rain or shine, unless there is a concern for public safety.

What to bring

You may want to bring sunscreen and sunglasses. A credit card may come in handy to buy festival memorabilia and compact discs of performing artists.

Bring collapsible chairs and a blanket. Some stages will have seating, but others, such as the large Railroad Stage, require that you bring your own seating.

Don’t forget your prescription medications and, just in case, bring your insurance and Medicare cards.

Pets

Do not bring pets (other than service animals) to the festival. The large crowds – many of whom will be seated on the ground – will appreciate your leaving animals at home. Your pets will be more comfortable at home than amid festival crowds.

Medical and emergency services

Minor medical emergencies will be treated at the first aid station on the festival site located near the harbor master’s office on the waterfront. Emergency medical services will be located on-site. Medical services are sponsored and coordinated by Eastern Maine Healthcare.

Bucket Brigade

The volunteers who make up the Bucket Brigade are a corps of community volunteers who encourage festival-goers to support The American Folk Festival. You will see the Bucket Brigade at festival stages throughout the festival site. Donations dropped into the buckets will help cover festival costs.

Lost people

Children who lose track of their caretaker should find a festival volunteer or staff member, who will escort them to the First Aid Center. All lost people will be directed to the First Aid Center unless their party has made arrangements to meet elsewhere.

Restrooms

Portable restroom facilities with hand-washing stations are located at numerous spots throughout the festival site.

See map on Pages 32 and 33 for facilities closest to you.

Handicapped accommodations

Handicapped parking facilities will be available at Bass Park.

Several stage performances and demonstrations will be translated into American Sign Language. See the schedule on Pages 32 and 33 or check at an information booth.

Baby-changing stations

The festival’s baby-changing stations are located in Pickering Square and near the First Aid Center.

Schedule subject to change

Programs and performances were accurate at press time but could change. Check at information booths for performance and scheduling updates.