August rolls into September in a barrel of fun for me! I’ve always been a lover of the feeling of change in the air---days getting a bit shorter but the weather is still quite moderate; sometimes a night that’s quite cool or a day that blazes hot! And this year? Mostly fine weather with just enough rain to keep down the dust!

For more than 25 years, its been fun at the Windsor Fair---yes, all the rides, food, and people---but especially the shows with music! Windsor Fair has quite a bit of decent local entertainment! Everything from a strolling brass band to rock, all outside in a real informal setting.

Now, for the last five years, Bangor’s had its "Folk Festival" and I’ve only missed one of those. Of course, for me, the music is the attraction there, too---more than 20 individual acts all happening simultaneously on as many as five stages. So, now, I can spend more than 10 days outside, listening to music seeing friends and meeting new ones.

I make these events a priority because I love music, I enjoy an occasional crowd, and I’m outdoors in Maine making the most of what we have to offer here! I start out with a pocket full of business cards so when I meet new friends and old I can update them on address changes or remind them to write or call. I also start out with comfortable clothes and shoes, clothes want to be able to take the abuse of my travels---sitting on the grass, eating on the run, and taking what the weather brings.

And the crowds? I am amazed at the size of them---every year the Folk Festival gets bigger and the Windsor Fair almost always sees over one hundred twenty five thousand people! The people are diverse, some from many different states. Accents from all parts of the country and a good mix from the rest of the world and, in the Folk Festival, music from all over the world. It is, ear candy, sweet sounds and a real treat.

I notice whether things are accessible, too! In the years at the Windsor Fairgrounds, changes have been made. Paths are wide and paved. There are ramped or flat entrances for buildings. The rest rooms seem pretty usable. And the crowds are, for the most part, accepting and polite. Windsor’s always advertised itself as a fair for the whole family, and the emphasis on senior citizens has helped with the accessibility. There’s even a day dedicated to seniors, and its quite a joyful time seeing old friends and neighbors getting reacquainted at the Fair. In most cases, the barns, shows, midway, food booths and exhibits of all kinds bring back wonderful memmories and people are really ready to be pleased.

In Bangor, the recent makeover of the waterfront where the Folk Festival takes place has accessibility right at its heart! Pavement, ramps, and a very mellow and respectful crowd make it an easy venue for all. In some places, where stages are on grassy areas, it is kept quite short and the ground is level and if that isn’t good enough there are volunteers with willing hands, good hearts, and some golf carts to help.

In each of these two venues, the most obvious factors are the crowds. Its such a great feeling when many folks come together to have a good time in public. People are aware of each other yet, they’re in a happy space so respect and joy are easy. I believe that the aging of our population along with the Americans with Disabilities Act has created an atmosphere where folks expect to have people with disabilities in the crowds. Being part of these crowds, I feel pleasure and acceptance. It makes it quite pleasant to spend this time, have fun, and be entertained out there, on the other side of the door.