Sounds of the Caribbean echoed from Sugarloaf on the last weekend of the ski season. On a beautiful, unseasonably warm spring day, drummers and their friends and families, plus a number of very lucky visitors, danced, clapped or just rocked easy to a day of music that began early in the day and lasted well into mid-afternoon.

Festival t-shirts or Hawaiian shirts, bare feet, sandals or hiking boots were standard attire for participants and spectators alike. Band members ranged in age from young preteens through high school and college to not-even-close-togetting old senior citizens. Professional-caliber expertise characterized the performance of many bands and individual performers.

The 20th annual PanNE Steel Band Festival drew about a dozen bands, with many of the musicians from Maine. Our local Western Mountain Trash Can Band hosted this year’s festival, introducing many first-time visitors to Sugarloaf. Saturday evening featured a delicious spaghetti supper fundraiser for local schools’ steel drum programs, followed by a fantastic performance at the Sugarloaf Inn —dancing encouraged— by the Atlantic Clarion Steel Band. There was a modest cover charge for almost three hours of some of the best steel band music this side of the Caribbean —no airline tickets required.

Saturday’s performances by all the steel bands were free —on the lawn of the Sugarloaf Inn; food throughout the day was available as a fundraiser by the Stratton Lions Club.

Our communities can take pride in the talent demonstrated by students from local schools who have the opportunity to participate in one of the area’s steel bands and in the schools and many volunteers who support their efforts.

Even with the snow quickly melting from the slopes and the end of the season upon us, the weekend was fantastic —a wonderful family-friendly event, with even Amos the Moose and Blueberry getting into the Caribbean spirit.

It would be great to see it become a regular event at Sugarloaf. Thanks to all who made it happen.
Charlie & Ann Garland
North Woods at Sugarloaf & Saco