Music festival a local tradition and a real bargain

The new AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival promises great music, food and fun.

But there is no promise for its future.

Organizers made several changes to the former FolkFest, including moving it into mid-August and away from Labor Day weekend. For the first time, there will be a single food vendor, although local churches and community groups will be among those serving and raising money.

The festival runs Friday through Sunday at Festival Park, across from Point Stadium in downtown Johnstown.

Another major change is that the festival is no longer a “free” event.

Folks could enter the grounds for FolkFest without paying admission, and then would buy “scrip” – FolkFest money – to purchase food and beverages.

This week, those who come out to hear the performances will be asked to make a donation at the gate – $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday. Those who don’t wish to donate will not be denied admission.

And “scrip” is no more – you’ll pay cash for food and drinks.

The expectation is that a formal admission will be charged for the festival in the future.

Co-chairman Ron Carnevali said he and other festival officials will learn much about people’s attachment to the event and their willingness to pay a small admission fee by Sunday evening.

“We look at this as a referendum on the future of the event and if it is to continue,” he said.

Truth is, this has never been a “free” event.

Carnevali said the cost this year will be about $300,000.

The Johnstown Area Heritage Association always assumed considerable risk by covering the cost of bringing in bands, paying for electricity and security, building stages and erecting tents – all with an eye on the weather.

An army of volunteers sets up the park, works the event and then tears down afterward – helping keep the cost as low as possible.

And the quality of music is always high.

For example, this year’s top act, the Derek Trucks Band – whose guitarist namesake is a second-generation member of the Allman Brothers – plays across the country and ticket prices are higher for one show than the total cost would be to get into the Flood City Music Festival all weekend.

“We need the funds to help defray the cost of the entire event.” Carnevali told The Tribune-Democrat for this past Sunday’s in-depth festival preview in Living. “We are counting on people to come and enjoy a great event and to pay what amounts to a bargain-basement price to keep the festival going.”

The Johnstown region is home to many great annual events, and downtown has already been hopping this summer with Thunder in the Valley and the All American Amateur Baseball Association national tournament.

FolkFest has been a Johns-town jewel, a chance for local music lovers to hear top-notch performers right in their own community.

We expect the Flood City Music Festival to continue and elevate that tradition.

Come out to Festival Park this weekend.

For either $5 or $10, we think the event is a bargain.

We hope you do, too.

Noteworthy

What: Flood City Music Festival.

When: Friday through Sunday.

Where: Festival Park, downtown Johnstown.

Admission: A donation will be requested at the gate – $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday.

On the Web: www.tribdem.com and www.floodcitymusic.com.

Multimedia: See video interviews and a tour of Festival Park at www.tribdem.com.

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