Friday, May 22, 2009

57th Annual Florida Folk Festival is this Weekend


The 57th Annual Florida Folk Festival takes place this weekend at the Stephen Foster Culture Center State Park in White Springs.

Activites got underway this morning at 8 a.m. and will continue each day this weekend (including Monday). Gates open at 8 a.m. each day at the park, which is located just of I-75 in North Florida, just north of the I-10, I-75 interchange.

The festival this year features 200 of Florida's best folk performing artists and also highlights a concert on Saturday night by well-known Florida recording artist Billy Dean. (Click here for weekend schedules).

In addition, it is a great place to explore the history and folk culture of Florida. There are story tellers, pine needle basket makers, genealogy (family history) experts, a variety of craftspeople, square dancing and classic Florida foods such as cornbread and collard greens, hoppin' john, shrimp gumbo, barbecue and more.

This is most likely the finest folk event in the state each year and if you are anywhere in North Florida, it is well worth the drive.

Tickets at the gate are free for children under 6 years old, $5 for children ages 6 to 16 and $25 for adults.

The Stephen Foster Culture Center State Park is located on the beautiful Suwannee River and interprets the folk life of the region as well as the musical contributions of 19th century composer Stephen Foster. Well known for such songs as "Camptown Ladies" and "My Old Kentucky Home," Foster is credited with launching the tourism in Florida through his composition, "Way Down Upon the Suwannee River." To learn more, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/stephenfoster.

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