What is the idea behind the Deep Roots Festival?
It’s frequently said that there’s nothing to do in Carmi. One reason for this is that we rely on others to entertain us, rather than entertaining each other, or creating opportunities for fun and diversion ourselves. Carmi has a long tradition of providing entertainment to the surrounding area, with festivals, nightlife, events or, stretching back to the earliest days, barn dances and public concerts.The Deep Roots Festival is a way of helping people who have an idea find local and area talent and resources, provide the tools to organize and promote the event, and with the city’s help, find a venue and work out logistics. We hope that this allows individuals or groups of people to come together and make things happen, without having the rely solely on local civic groups or businesses.
Who is responsible for the Deep Roots Festival?
We all are. Anyone can propose an idea, and if there’s support, together we can make it happen. In most cases volunteers are utilized – people who believe that the event will make Carmi a better place and are willing to pitch in and help. Most events will be held on city property, so there is some oversight by them, particularly regarding laws, insurance and regulations. But essentially the festival is ran by the people. An event need not appeal to everyone in town. Smaller events which target particular age groups or interests are encouraged.Sounds like some kind of left-wing, hippie agenda.
True, but it’s also the way the first citizens of Carmi managed to have a good time, as well as most of the generations that came afterwards. And it’s hard to conceive of a less hippie type culture than Carmi’s founding fathers. Relying on commercial enterprises for entertainment and to make a town into a community is a relatively recent phenomena, and has had a devastating impact on small communities.
How about an example?
It’s often said “we’ve tried everything we can think of to entertain kids today. They just aren’t interested.” So here’s an idea … instead of relying on people ten, twenty or more years past the age of eighteen to come up with ideas for entertaining our young people, what if we give them the tools to create their own events? Most of us were young once, and we pretty much all agreed that adults didn’t get us at all. Keeping young people in a community is essential to keeping a community alive and vibrant. But if they’re used to leaving town for entertainment, it’s unlikely that they’ll think about settling down here.
What guidelines are there for events?
This is pretty simple. Unless there’s an age requirement, all events have to be open to the general public, with no admission fee. Also, if money is required, it has to be raised by donations or sponsors. Since the idea is to rely on volunteers, expenses should be low. But if you’ve got a good idea, and you need a little cash, there’s likely someone out there willing to donate. We’ll help put you in touch with likely donors.
How long does the festival run?
Till we run out of ideas. Currently we have events planned through October, but there are others on the horizon.
Like what?
We have a series of concerts lined up at Burrell’s Woods through October. Coinciding with the October concert is a Halloween event for children. There will be walking tours of Carmi history this fall, which will include local folk tales, ghost stories and a history of the Old Cemetery and its occupants. Also in the works is a gospel music concert and next year, country music. We also hope to help in the restoration of the old theater and hopefully will be hosting events there as well. We also plan on working closely with the Bicentennial Committee and their celebration which runs from 2015-2016.
What is the connection between the Bicentennial Committee and the Deep Roots Festival?
We’re passing the hat to raise funds at our events for the celebration. We hope to work hand in hand with them on several events, and hopefully take some of the pressure off the committee as well as our local civic organizations. Large groups are great for organizing large events, but smaller groups can be more nimble and get things done that might never excite a committee or group of officers. The more events that take place in our community, the more chances the people have of having fun, and hopefully of getting involved. Additionally, we will share some of the same marketing tools, such as the website and social media. We’ll also work with the city who will help promote events, via the press, the city website, the Chamber of Commerce and the new city app under development. We hope that working together we can build a network of people that allow us all to get the message out about events in our community, and opportunities to get involved. A rising tide lifts all ships you know?
Can businesses host an event?
Why not? As long as it’s open to the public, requires no admission fee and is done in the spirit of the Deep Roots Festival, we’ll be happy to work with businesses.
What’s behind the name?
People who grew up in the Carmi area feel a deep tie to our community, even if they live across the country and haven’t been back in decades. We hope to not only use local talent, but draw on the talent and support of those who may have been gone for years, but want to feel connected still. Regardless of how deep a community’s roots run, without proper care and nourishing, it won’t long survive as we know it. There’s little doubt that Carmi has declined since its heyday. The Deep Roots Festival is a way to water those roots and hopefully bring Carmi back, and fill the holes left in our community that have developed over the years.Some people might be willing to accept that Carmi is going to become a bedroom community, where people leave for entertainment, shopping or a better way of life. We’re not those people.
How can I help?
Click here to give us ideas, volunteer or ask questions. We’ll get right back with you!
