Annual Roots Festival

In about 1990, a couple of families in Paola decided to have a reunion and invite all of their out-of-town relatives so they could get "back to their roots". They brought in a band to furnish music and, the first couple of years, the "roots reunion" was held in a city park, but it quickly became much larger involving more families and more entertainment. So they moved it to the Town Square and re-named it the "Roots Festival".

Over the past twenty years, it continued to grow in size, the number of musical groups performing, the number of food vendors participating, and many more arts and crafts exhibits as well as the number of people attending. It has become one of the largest events in Miami County rivaling the County Fair.

This was the weekend for the "Annual Roots Festival" in Paola. A large stage was constructed in the street on one side of the Town Square and all streets around the Square were closed off, which provided lots of space for vendors, booths, and a variety of exhibits.

















People brought folding chairs and set them up in the square facing the stage so they could enjoy the music, which went on all day Friday and Saturday. About a dozen bands were scheduled; some rock, some jazz, some country, some nice to listen to, some ear-splitting loud. There seemed to be something for everyone. It was definitely a family affair.

















We wandered among the booths and exhibits, had a smoked (really over-smoked) German sausage sandwich with sauerkraut, sat and talked with neighbors and friends, and listened to the music.

The music was generally too loud for us "old folks" . . . but we enjoyed the event just the same.

The "annual Roots Festival" in Paola is a very nice small town family event. We will likely return next year.