Well, what can we say except that “We Did It!” The Maine Blues Festival (MBF), headquartered here at Bray’s Brewpub & Eatery, was a smashing success! The music was varied and fabulous, the crowds were lively and jovial, security was visible (and uneventful), the shuttle buses were aplenty, and the weather was absolutely perfect.
Festivities kicked off at the Naples Village Green with introductions and acknowledgments by MBF Co-chair Kevin Kimball and Naples Town Manager Derik Goodine, along with live music, and a wonderful assortment of local non-profit vendors, and family activities.
Maine’s most popular DJ, Mark Persky, was our headline master of ceremonies who floated from stage to stage bringing even more color and humor to the festival. All 10 venues were hopping throughout the day and night with several of them reporting all-time record high sales.
Although we are still crunching the numbers, it seems that attendance was very close to our guess-timated 3,000 festival participants. There were no major accidents, incidents, or arrests. The school bus shuttles were a big hit with many adults feeling reminiscent of their childhood days and singing “Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round.” Maine Blues Festival 2006 T-shirt’s are still available at Bray’s for a very reasonable $10.
The support that the MBF received from the public and local businesses was most encouraging and generous from the beginning. And before the end of Festival Day, offers were coming in from other venues, individuals, performers, and sponsors wanting in for next year – and in a big way.
And so, the Maine Blues Festival will return next year, same time – same place with even more music, fun, and two full days (?) of good times in store. Thanks to everyone for your patience, encouragement, support, and participation. A community event such as this that could not have happened without you.
Your Maine Blues Festival Committee,
Kevin Kimball, Michael Bray, Monica Schwab, Wendy Gallant, Holly Chase, Mike McClellan, Kevin Rogers, Matt Jacobson
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