Organizers of the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront announced on Monday afternoon that this year’s Bucket Brigade brought in $105,896 from festival-goers over the course of the three-day event, held in late August. That tally is nearly $15,000 less than the $122,000 brought in for the 2013 festival, but as organizers note, it’s still well above the amount collected in the first few years of the event.

“Bucket numbers are down a little, but numbers in other areas have gone up,” said executive director Heather McCarthy. “Donations are very important to this festival, and we still have grants, payments, and our own bills coming in. But as an organization, our biggest measure of success is the quality of music, crafts, food, and culture, and the level of enthusiasm we saw for three days on the Bangor Waterfront. We are still riding that wave of excitement and are anxiously preparing for 2015.”

The AFF team is planning for the Spring 2015 edition of Color Bangor — the 5K color fun run/walk that benefits the Festival. Last year’s inaugural Color Bangor attracted 1,700 runners and raised over $35,000 for the festival. Those interesting in running can sign up on the Festival‘s website to be notified when registrations are being accepted.

AFF organizers are also accepting nominations for the 2014 Gerry Turner Excellence in Volunteerism Award. Gerry Turner was an enthusiastic and dedicated friend to the American Folk Festival up until his death in 2011. Nominations are being accepted in the categories of Festival Adult Volunteer; Festival Volunteer Junior (under 18 years of age); Volunteer Leader; Volunteer Crew; Business or Organization Volunteer; and the Spirit of the Festival Award. Nominations will be accepted through this Friday, Sept. 12 on the festival‘s website, www.americanfolkfestival.com. Winners will be announced in October.