Deep Roots returns with 20,000 attendees after two-year hiatus

  • The Collection offered an interactive audience experience at Deep Roots as a finale to their eight-week tour.
    The Collection offered an interactive audience experience at Deep Roots as a finale to their eight-week tour.
  • Mark the Magic Man makes multiple balls appear in two attendees’ hands.
    Mark the Magic Man makes multiple balls appear in two attendees’ hands.
  • Belsam Home Co. owner Kelly Sinclair sells handmade cutting boards and Christmas ornaments at the artist market.
    Belsam Home Co. owner Kelly Sinclair sells handmade cutting boards and Christmas ornaments at the artist market.
  • High Speed Dreams played on the stage downtown during the daytime. They drew in a large crowd.
    High Speed Dreams played on the stage downtown during the daytime. They drew in a large crowd.
  • David Norris shows off his 1965 Chevy Corvair at the open car show.
    David Norris shows off his 1965 Chevy Corvair at the open car show.
  • Grandville opens the Deep Roots concert with some classic rock-and-roll.
    Grandville opens the Deep Roots concert with some classic rock-and-roll.
  • Scooter poses with the Mega Charizard mascot outside of Dungeons & Daiquiris.
    Scooter poses with the Mega Charizard mascot outside of Dungeons & Daiquiris.

    Deep Roots made its return last Saturday, since COVID, for its 19th year.

    The festival returned in a different format this year with free admission to downtown Milledgeville and tickets to the concert being sold online and in-person for $30. According to Frank Pendergast, one of the event co-organizers, a rough estimate of 18,000 to 20,000 people attended the event overall and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the free admission until 6 p.m.

    “Attendance of the free daytime events was tremendous, probably the best year ever,” said Pendergast.

    Free admission allowed any Deep Root attendees to walk around downtown and visit the artist market, commercial corridor, restaurants, stores and more. In addition, local entertainment played throughout the day and attendees were able to view the open car show at their leisure.

    “For the night event, our goal was to sell all of the 3,000 tickets that we ordered. We ended up selling just over 1,600 tickets for the concert,” said Pendergast.

    After 6 p.m., only ticket holders could access the concert area. Grandville opened the nightly event with classic rock-androll music. They played several songs from their upcoming album and a few singles. Following them, The Collection took the stage and led an audience interactive performance. Deep Roots was the last show of their eight-week tour. The night closed with Willie Jones and his performance blend of country and hip-hop.

    “Attendance of the late night music was less than we hoped but we knew the changes would cause some disruption. We will learn and adjust,” said Pendergast.

    As of Wednesday, Oct. 26, event organizers had yet to host their wrap-up meeting and determine what changes will be made to next year’s Deep Roots. However, there was unanimous agreement that Deep Roots had a great turnout overall this year and they were proud to see how overjoyed the community was for its return.

    “I feel an overwhelming pride in our dedicated group of volunteers and planning team,” said Pendergast. “The months of planning are all worth it when you see the people getting together and celebrating their Deep Roots with Milledgeville.”

    Check out live videos of the Deep Roots festival on our YouTube channel.