"[5][6] In addition to performances, The Folk & Roots Festival also held dance workshops and events for children.

This decision may have been based on changes in city policy that would have added significant financial burden to the school, such as increased costs in permits and rentals in Welles Park for performance space and no longer allowing vendors at the festival to use the city's power grid for electrical needs.

In its first year in 2012, Square Roots hosted the country group Waco Brothers, Malian blues singer Sidi Touré, funk band Kong Fuzi, and Colorado folk quintet Elephant Revival, among others.

[9] In 2012, Square Roots invited numerous local restaurants and breweries as vendors during the festival.

[9] In 2012, entrance to the Square Roots fest was as suggested $10 donation for adults, and was discounted for children and seniors.