Free outdoor music concert highlights festivities at Winslow bash
Posted on Monday, October 8, 2007
WINSLOW — “ Free Bird” and “ Born to be Wild” echoed through the streets Sunday as the town put on the 25 th annual Winfest. About a thousand people attended the event, which featured local bands.
Winfest Coordinator Denny Luke said the festival went a different route this year, with the committee asking all bands and helpers to work for free to save the city money.
“ Everything is donated, ” Luke said. “ This year we really don’t care if we make money. ”
In the past, Winfest charged a fee at the gate, but Luke said the city was losing money paying better-known bands such as The Cate Brothers and Oreo Blue to play, so the committee decided to only take bands who were willing to pay for free. He said the turnout this year was the same as in the past.
“ It’s a lot like it was during past festivals where we charged, ” he said.
Steve Ward is the bass player for Mudeat and The Boston Islanders, one of the bands that played. He said he played at the first Winfest and didn’t mind coming back and playing again, even for free.
“ I like this town. It’s got good sound and a great crowd, ” he said. “ I’m just in it for the music, plus I like to play to help folks out. ”
Ward said when Luke approached his group about playing at Winfest, he didn’t even ask about the money.
The committee also changed the date of the concert series to coincide with Fayetteville’s Bikes, Blues & BBQ. Luke said committee members hoped to attract some of the bikers leaving the area.
“ We got a lot of regular foot traffic, which is good because we didn’t do any advertising like we usually do, ” he said.
Overall, seven bands graced the Winfest stage, and people danced in the front or sipped beers and watched from the grass.
“ People just like the music, ” Luke said.
This event furthered Luke’s assertion about his hometown’s annual festival.
“ It’s the untold secret of Winslow, ” he said.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
