Big Tree Festival takes root, returns this year
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PORT ROYAL -- The late Nick Hohol loved bringing the arts to his community, so much so that he hosted a festival in his backyard. The original Big Tree Music Festival was held at Hohol's home in Arch Rock, just outside Mifflintown, in 2009.
The idea came as a response to the lack of community musical events in the area and the growing number of talented local musicians.
Nick and his wife, Katy, built a small stage under a large sycamore tree and planned the event with a handful of friends and family.
The Hohols hosted the event for the first three years, realizing eventually that their property could not handle the crowds of people that wanted to attend the festival.
Eventually, the festival moved to the Port Royal Lions Club Park in 2014.
It proved to be the perfect setting with more space for parking, food and craft vendors, art displays and activities.
"Since moving to the Lions Club Park, festival attendance has been around 300 to 400 people, and we were able to add more craft and food venders," said Erica Shellenberger, president of the Big Tree Music and Art Foundation.
Sadly, Nick passed away in 2015. Though he is greatly missed for his warm smile and kind heart, organizers want to honor him by carrying out Big Tree's mission of bringing love, community, art and music to this small, rural area.
"I know Nick would be so proud to see the festival continue on and grow," Shellenberger explained. "He and Katy plated the seed and our close-knit music and art community have tried very hard to nurture it and keep it going."
It also means the Big Tree Music Festival is making its return in 2023 to Port Royal Lions Club Park, 2767 Lions Club Park Road, Port Royal. The festival is set for 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 10.
Entertainers scheduled to perform include Bhajans, Tom Yoder, Conrad Fisher, Carli Waters and Rowe Shepps, Chris Rattie and the New Rebels, Ryze, Seth Whitesel, The Digs, Pishima, Friction, Ma'am and Rotten Belly Blues.
"We have a great lineup of musicians, with most being from Juniata and Mifflin counties, or connected to the area in some way," Shellenberger added. "The range of music is diverse and there's something for everyone. We'll also be displaying art by local artists and have 20-plus craft vendors attending this year. Bring a chair and stay for the whole day!"
Advance tickets cost $15, while tickets purchased at the gate will be $20.
"The last festival was in 2018, so this is the first in five years," Shellenberger said. "We've struggled with finding volunteers to help plan and organize the festival over the years. However, the previous two summers, Big Tree was involved with the Mifflintown Farmer's Market by providing free children's craft activities and booking and funding the musical entertainment each month."
Additionally, Big Tree has formed an official committee, and with the help of Community Partnerships and others, they applied for and received non-profit status.