MADAWASKA, Maine — Madawaska’s Select Board has slashed a proposed $58,000 production contract for the upcoming Northern Maine Summerfest to $30,000.
Prior to making this cut, the musical event, which is being funded entirely with private donations, was projected to cost $90,925, according to town financial information. But officials are now tweaking that total to cut costs.
The Aug. 22 festival is set to feature rising country artist Cody Lohden. It would be the first time in several years that a nationally recognized artist has agreed to perform north of Caribou. Despite the reduction, officials say the show will go on.
“The budget is still being reworked, but we’re exploring every opportunity to reduce costs,” said Madawaska Economic and Development Director Kristen Henry. “Any savings we can achieve will help us create a more sustainable event that can continue to grow, bring visitors to northern Maine, and provide long-term value to our community and tourism economy.”
As it did with a recent telethon that raised close to $200,000, the town is seeking donations from the business community to pay for costs associated with Summerfest instead of using tax dollars.
No tax money will be used to fund the festival, Henry said.
The decision to cut production costs came about when the town considered awarding the contract to Jason Boucher, who served as Select Board chair until his term expired earlier this year.
Boucher has experience organizing live sound at events throughout the St. John Valley, and handled sound mixing during last year’s town-run telethon.
Before awarding the contract, the town mulled changing its personnel policy, which would not have allowed Boucher to take the contract until one year after his time as a town official ended.
The Select Board voted during a special meeting on Tuesday to let the personnel policy stand as is, and also voted to let Town Manager David Daigle cap Boucher’s spending at $30,000 for production costs instead of outright rejecting the contract.
Boucher would need to approach the town with any requests beyond this total, Daigle said, adding that the town could look at some areas where costs could be cut.
According to the original contract, the production funds would cover the rental of audio equipment and lighting, as well as hiring several professional audio technicians to ensure everything runs smoothly. Part of the money would also cover the artists’ riders — the specific requests each artist has for musical instruments and gear in order to perform at a venue.
The remaining budget includes event signage and merchandise, payment for a public safety presence from police and emergency medical services, in-kind advertising and fireworks. A portion will also pay volunteer groups who helped with the event, Henry said.
Singer-songwriter Lohden is a former firefighter and paramedic originally from Garfield, Kentucky. He released music independently until a TikTok video led to a deal, according to his website biography. He’s now signed to Nashville-based DeVille Records.
Lohden will be supported by Maine-based Anthony Todd, who blends both country and hip-hop genres. They will be joined by rapper The Real Young Swagg and Ryan Remalia with UnderWay.
In order to make sure the event goes smoothly, roughly 50 volunteers, including local high school students, will work behind the scenes, Henry said.
The festival will take place at Birch Point along the shore of Long Lake. It will also include children’s activities, beer gardens and food trucks, ending with a lengthy fireworks show.
Proceeds will go directly back into community development, Henry said.
