Editor’s Note: For Veazie resident Deolinda Amaral, the 64th National Folk Festival was a memorable time. Amaral and other Mainers will share their experiences in the coming days before the 65th National Folk Festival Aug. 22-24.

As I am a native-born Portuguese from Lisbon (now an American citizen for many years), I was delighted last summer to find a fado singer from Portugal at the festival. Fado is the song of Lisbon, and I never expected to hear it in Bangor, Maine, being sung by a Portuguese native! I introduced myself between sets, and, to my surprise, she dedicated a number to me at the next set. I do hope she is planning to return this summer. What a wonderful experience.