'Roots Hoot' to raise money for summer musical festival

Get your dancing shoes ready for a night of music, food, and drinks to help raise money for the 15th annual The Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival, which relies on community generosity to make it a success.

The "Roots Hoot" will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at The Cooperage Project, 1030 Main St., Honesdale.

The event will provide a shot in the arm for the organization’s fundraising efforts. A donation of $20 includes live music with the house band, The Barn Cats, with special guests, including Nate Zauer. You will also receive five raffle tickets with that entry fee for this year’s Roots Raffle.

Sample craft brews from the award-winning Wallenpaupack Brewing Company, wine from Antler Ridge Winery, and delicious eats from Hop Barons Kitchen. This is not a BYOB event.

There will also be a reveal of the 2020 Roots Raffle guitar custom-built by Tony Maddi and John Rocklin, with art designed by the festival’s featured artist, Dane Tilghman, who will also be in attendance.

Festival on June 20

Honesdale Roots & Rhythm officially opens at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, rain or shine, with local bands, art, games, and food in the offing. This non-profit event completely free, put on entirely by volunteers and supported by sponsors, donors, and grants.

From its start in 2006, Roots & Rhythm has drawn thousands to enjoy acts on the main stage and downtown bands stretching the length of Main Street. It has garnered awards for its sustainability efforts, and showcased exceptional works from artists in the community.

This year, the organizers are asking for sponsors to make tax-deductible donations.

The festival is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the festival, visit honesdalerootsandrhythm.com.