Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 129, Number 29, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 20 July 2006 — Page 17

BLUEGRASS, Continued from Page 6

three categories." Along with visiting festivals, Tom also got in touch with acts through a relatively new medium. "The Internet played a big role," he said. "We also had announcements in national bluegrass magazines." The Internet and national magazines didn't only attract acts, but also fans. "We just made a quick trip to look at license plates, and we have them from Tennessee, Florida, Ohio and Michigan," Tom said. "Last year, we had around 900 people, and this year, we're hoping for'between 1,200 and 1,300," he added. If the same fans were at last year's festival, then they must have noticed that it was held in a different location. The inaugural event was held behind Flick's Home Plate at the

“MICHIANA’S BIGGEST LITTLE FORD PEA , J ■■l J 1 Service Center Hears: Maa-Fri 7an to Spa

Wakarusa Railroad last year, but this year, it was moved across State Road 19. "This will be the permanent location," Tom said. "This is my property, and we've named it the Wakarusa Festival Grounds." Well, that property was adorned with parked cars, large tents and a main stage, full of good acts, all of which had to be paid for through more than the sl2 entry charge. To raise the extra money to pay the bands, sponsors were a must, and Wakarusa businesses stepped up to the plate. "I was in charge of sponsorships, and I contacted a lot of local businesses for that," assistant coordinator Kim Yoder said. "We had a really good response from Wakarusa." And after the bands were paid, any additional money went to the Family Christian

Development Center in Nappanee. "Everything we do, benefits the Family Christian Development Center," Tom said. And expenses were low, what with all the help festival organizers received. "We have volunteers helping with parking and other things," Tom said. Yoder was also impressed with the amount of help offered. "We have a lot of volunteers," she said. Now, with the 2006 festival over, Tom is focused on next year's festival, slated for June 23. "By Monday, we should have three bands lined up for next year," he said.

Explore Wa-Nee • July 27,2006*

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ADVANCE NEWS PHOTO/A. W. GADSON Orie Conley (left) and Nelson Miller get in tune prior to their band, First Love, taking the bluegrass stage.

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