Arootsakoostik Music Festival 2007

"Are you the next American Idol?" Maybe you are just a fan. Either way, the Arootsakoostik Music Festival is for you.

On Saturday, August 25,2007, Travis Cyr will be hosting the Arootsakoostik Music Festival at Thomas Park in New Sweden. Events run all day, from 11:30 am - 7:30 pm, and will continue rain or shine. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. Tickets are $7/adults and $2/Children, and will be available the day of the show at the gate. To order tickets ahead of time, contact Cyr.

Travis Cyr may be reached at 868-2625. People may also email him at travcyr@yahoo.com. Cyr suggests that you visit the Arootsakoostik website at www.myspace.com/amusicfest.

The musicians this year are highlighted by the fact that many are from the Valley. Cyr says, "The Valley in particular is very well represented and responsible for much of the talent."

Dominic and the Lucid will kick off the festival, followed by Tree by Leaf, Frank Hopkins with Line of Force, Cursillistas, Tigroid Substance, John Clavette, and Mark Shaw.

The festival will also be host to a farmers market. Cyr requests that anyone interested in participating in the farmers market - or any part of the event for that matter - should contact him immediately. Furthermore, Cyr has arranged for Sandra McLaughlin, an artist from Presque Isle, to show and sell paintings. She has experience painting multi-media abstract landscapes, wooden signs, quilts, stained glass, and Christmas ornaments.

Cyr's hope is that with all that is going on, people will be able to walk around the festival instead of being forced to sit for eight hours. He said the music will be the main attraction.

While admission to the festival will cost a small amount, Cyr will not receive a penny of it, as all proceeds will be donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. This foundation focuses one helping children with disabilities, by making their dreams come true. Anyone interested in donating either to the Make-a-Wish Foundation or the production of the Arootsakoostik may do so at the festival.

Cyr, who has a passion for music, is doing this because he loves music and wants to do a service for his community.

"This is something I started last year, and I'm hoping to keep building on the success of each year. All the bands and artist are donating their time and expenses. I aim to promote and expose some of the talent from Aroostook County, as well as to raise money and awareness for people less fortunate."

This event will make a great Saturday afternoon activity for families throughout the Valley. Come and see the musical talent throughout the Valley.

This article has been published courtesy of The St. John Valley Times.