Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 14/99) - There's still room for a few more Folk on the Rocks food entrepreneurs, says festival director Jodi Woollam.

As of Monday, seven of the festival's 10 food booth spots had been taken leaving room for three more.

Food concession operators pay a $400 fee to set up shop at the Long Lake festival site.

Because the limit is 10 concessionaires, they tend to make a good chunk of change.

Overall, the festival doesn't put on too much financial weight from the concessions.

Nor should it, Woollam said.

When it comes to the concession stands, it's less about money for the festival and more about generating an opportunity for people "to do business."

The concession stand operators have an opportunity to sell products to a "captive market," she said.

As well as the food concessions, there are 15 spots for arts and crafts businesses. These spots are filled. Arts and crafters pay the festival 15 per cent of sales.

"People can sit and talk about their work," she said.

There are also not-for-profit organizations which will be the event distributing information.

As for advance ticket buying, Woollam said as of Monday, sales were on pace with last year's.

Folk on the Rocks ticket sales in 1998 were between $40,000 and $45,000.

Overall, the festival is a $200,000 event. Some 120 performers are participating.

Woollam adds that volunteering by businesses and individuals is again this year a key to the festival's success.

When a company or person offers any product or service, it makes a huge difference, she said.

"The assistance from the community is great."