Sun, fun name of the game at Bluegrass festival

TALKEETNA -- Tie-dyed shirts, long hair, and peace and love were back in vogue during the sun-drenched Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival that ended Sunday.

"This is the first time I've been to this," said Lynsey Shelar of Kasilof. "I heard it was like a little Woodstock, and it really is."

She joined friends in front of the stage to dance and swirl to the music, occasionally cooling off with a dousing from a garden hose. Temperatures rose to 78 by mid-afternoon, putting a small but enthusiastic crowd in a partying mood.

The beer garden did a brisk business. Foster's Australian brew sold out quickly, but there was plenty of American beer to fuel the crowd. Those who chose not to drink alcohol slugged down lots of water to ward off possible heat stroke.

"Everyone's been really good," said festival medic Shawn Strong. "They're all telling each other, 'Drink water, drink water.' Mainly, the only first-aid problem we've had is Band-Aids on blisters."

A long set by Arment Hammer and the Lovely Penny Lee highlighted Sunday's bill. They performed tunes ranging from Jimmy Buffet to the Beatles, both a long way from bluegrass.

Maybe that kind of variety is what makes this festival popular with the sandals-and-bandanna crowd as well as more sedate adults wearing straw hats and slacks. On Sunday, one woman sat on a chair tapping her toes while decked out in a blouse with sweater tied neatly around her neck. She seemed just as comfortable as a bare-chested man with hair to his shoulders who lounged nearby.

The number of vendors was down somewhat at this year's event, but those who set up shop did a brisk business.

The Look's tent was a popular hangout for folks browsing among clothing and bumperstickers with a racy attitude.

Elsewhere, the offerings included decorate glass and bent wire art.

Food vendors provided lots of choices, too. Besides the usual tacos and burritos or hot dogs and curly fries those with a case of the munchies also could chow down on red beans and rice, Cajun catfish, halibut, salmon, shrimp, hot wings, clam chowder or turkey legs.

After all, it takes lots of energy to properly appreciate eight hours or more of music in one day. But as evening wore on and the festival neared its conclusion, the dancers seemed to just be reaching their stride. One heavily tattooed man -- a look of bliss on his face -- skipped among the others and shook hands with everyone he passed.

It was that kind of weekend.