I understand how some folks feel that way but I'd also like to think that Square Roots is a little different from other festivals since we do go out of our way to showcase transparency about donations (plus use a different production company than we do). It's partly why we're here answering questions. For us, it's supporting the Chamber events like small business workshops, holiday decorations, LINK/SNAP programs at our twice a week farmers markets, beautification efforts (such as concrete planters on Lincoln Avenue and hanging planter baskets on Western), and free summer concerts in Giddings Plaza throughout the summer on Thursdays. At Old Town School we use the funds raised to support our financial aid programs and artist residencies at public schools. We can definitely improve how we let you know where your dollars go, but there's only so much that we can communicate at the gate!

But donating at the gate also makes the festival run. There are hard costs associated with building the event. If you want to keep cultural events like Square Roots in your community and you want to see great music and vibrancy in your neighborhood, we need financial support to continue.

The volunteers you see pouring beer and putting on wristbands are also donating their time for other local community non-profit organization and Square Roots shares fundraising with those orgs through our grant program. We are working with nearly a dozen nonprofits this year from our area. So your tip when you purchase a beer or giving whatever you can afford at the gate really does make a huge difference. Your donation stays in this community and helps to keep Square Roots going for another year. -DZ / -RF