KINGFIELD – Whether coming from “behind that hill over there” or from miles away, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Kingfield’s 13th annual POPS celebration.
Despite questionable skies, families and friends staked out their spots on the grass and settled in for the evening’s show. The musical lineup included Trina Hamlin, Dave Rowe Trio, Sidy Maiga, Inanna, Sisters In Rhythm, Western Mountain Trash Can Band as well as the feature performances of Rustic Overtones and The Bangor Symphony Orchestra.
Although the live performances are always the highlight of the night, the Kingfield POPS has developed into much more than a music festival.
“We love coming and seeing everyone we know here,” noted the Baker ladies, who are set up in a tight semi-circle around a spread of snacks. The Bakers have been coming to the POPS for a decade now. The ladies aren’t the only ones who appreciate being around people they know. Jenn and Lionel Hering have also been coming for 10 years along with their two boys, Jamie and Lyle.
“The kids love it here. They roam and we don’t have to worry,” they explained. It’s true, too, packs of kids run around, darting in and out of the crowd. “The POPS is very special. We’re so lucky to have it.”
Betty Ann Listowich of Kingfield, is one of the many people who help make POPS a possibility. “I hope it keeps on going and that the energy is always there,” she said. “It’s such a comfortable atmosphere. There are so many different people from so many different places but it’s really just a big picnic.”
The picnics begin to disperse as more and more people join the front of the crowd for dancing. The Rustic Overtones carry the beat for couples to swing dance and little kids to twirl around in circles.
Looking around it seems as though every face has a smile one it. People aren’t staring down at their phones, but rather watching their friends dance to a live band that might not otherwise make it to this region of Maine if it weren’t for the Kingfield POPS.
First time attending. Well worth it! Thank you to all of the organizations and volunteers who put this on.
Another great show. Thank you to all that work so hard to make this day the best, year after year.