Americana Music Festival celebrates our country's roots

When Charlie DeWilde set out to bring an Americana music festival to Poulsbo, he knew what he wanted.

"I wanted a family activity that would rival something you would find at a state fair in the 1950s," he said.

In its fourth year, the annual event draws more than 700 people. This year, the venue is moving to Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park in downtown Poulsbo, from its prior location at Raab Park. DeWilde anticipates the new venue will attract a larger crowd.

The scheduled performers range the gamut from a barbershop quartet, to big band to rock.

"It's all positive music celebrating America's contribution to music over the last century," DeWilde said.

While the musicians perform, there will be children's activities such as games and face painting, as well as a dunk tank.

Among local dignitaries, Jeff Haag, band director at Poulsbo Middle School will be sitting in the dunk tank. Let's hope for Haag's sake that it's a warm day.

While there is no charge to attend the concert, the proceeds from the dunk tank and from donations collected during the concert, will be shared with Fishline Emergency Foodbank.

"Fishline does a lot for our community," Wilde said. "We are trying to help them continue their good work."

Being at Waterfront Park allows for downtown restaurants to serve the concert-goers. Ten restaurants will offer specials on their menu during the concert. A beer garden, manned by three local micro-breweries, will be on-hand as well.

The event will begin at noon with a tribute to 9/11, a short message from Mayor Becky Erickson followed by patriotic music performed by the North Kitsap High School Band.

"As our world gets more and more into technology, these types of events are good," DeWilde said. "It's good old fashioned fun. This is the type of activities I remember as a kid."

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Sept. 10, noon-7 p.m., at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park.

Noon-12:30 p.m.: 9/11 Tribute and patriotic music

12:30-1:45 p.m.: Buz Whitely Big Band

2:10-2:40 p.m.: Kitsap Chordsmen

3:05-3:35 p.m.: Those Guys

4-5 p.m.: Shark Sandwich

5:30-7 p.m.: Soul Siren

The event is free, but donations are welcomed.

Contact North Kitsap Herald Kitsap Week Erin Jennings at ejennings@northkitsapherald.com or (360) 779-4464.

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