Festival

of local talent, according to Wykoff.

It’s been held off and on ever since. Wykoff said the atmosphere has grown to be more family-friendly since she started volunteering in 2008.

“It’s still a great party, but one that’s suitable for everybody,” she said.

The festival costs approximately $55,000 to put on, Wykoff added.

Unlike many other local festivals, it features free admission, but the organizers do suggest a $5 suggested donation.

Wykoff also said that, in years in which the festival turns a profit, that money is distributed for music scholarships for students in the Rondout Valley, Kingston city and New Paltz school districts, which all serve portions of Rosendale.

Putting on the festival takes the work of a large contingent of volunteers who’ll arrive at the festival as early as 5:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Wykoff said.

In that contingent is the Liggan Family, which has been a part of the festival for many years. This year, Bre Liggan serves as the event’s beer and hospitality manager, while her mother, Linda Liggan, is treasurer and merchandise chair, and her father, Billy B. Liggan, is the event’s co-vice president.

Bre Liggan described the event as a real “family affair.”

“Nobody can escape it, not that we’d want to,” she said. “It’s very rewarding, but challenging,”

She added that she’s been part of the festival for 13 years, taking on more responsibilities each year. She admitted, however, that, in that time, volunteers have become harder to come by.

“I started when I was in middle school and kids from different community organizations would get involved,” she said. “Now, I don’t see that as much.”