5th Hankfest Sunday in Potsdam

POTSDAM — The annual Hankfest country music event at Ives Park in the village could easily be dubbed "the little festival that could."

When organizers started the charity Hank Williams Sr. tribute in 2006, just a small group of fans and curious onlookers dropped in on the spectacle, according to director Gregory G. Bouchard.

But each year the charity event at the Ives Park gazebo has grown noticeably. Mr. Bouchard said this year's fifth annual Hankfest will run from noon to 7 p.m. Sundayand will feature seven country music groups, an antique car show, a dunking booth, games and activities for kids, concessions and even a Patsy Cline look-a-like contest.

"Yeah, every year it keeps getting bigger," he said. "Next year we are already planning to do it on two days. That'll be the first time for that. So yeah, it's growing."

Adding to the charm of the country music festival is the fact that all of the musical acts involved donate their time, and all of the money raised from passing a bucket through the crowd is then given to a charity. This year's benefactor will be the Warner Cancer Treatment Center, Potsdam.

Last year nearly 500 people attended the one-day Hankfest, according to Mr. Bouchard. He predicts this year's beefed up musical lineup, the addition of an antique car show and games and activities for kids could draw twice as many people to downtown Potsdam.

Mr. Bouchard said the hard work of volunteer organizers, a love of country music across the region and the festival's mantra of "bring a lawn chair and bring a friend" have all played a part in growing the classic country music festival during the past handful of years.

"We've picked up a lot of people because of word-of-mouth advertising," Mr. Bouchard said. "We are also doing some PR out in Hogansburg and other places farther away this year."

There is no admission charge for this year's Hankfest which begins at noon Sunday. In addition to the bands performing, there will be door prizes, raffles, children's games sponsored by Kiwanis of Potsdam, vendors, and ice cream sold by Stewart's.

The music schedule for Hankfest 2010:

Noon: Longshot Band kickoff of Hankfest

12:30 p.m.: Blue Country

2 p.m.: Classic Country

4:30 p.m.: Bobby Herne and the Country Rollers

5:30 p.m.: The Percussion group

6 p.m.: Longshot Band

For more information, go to Facebook and check out the Potsdam Charity Hankfest Group.