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.

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park - White Springs, Florida

"Way down upon the Suwannee River, far, far away..."

The words of Stephen Foster's longing 19th century melody have created images of a home far away for millions of people around the world. Suwannee River (also called Old Folks at Home) is now the state song of Florida and many attribute Foster's creation with sparking the tourism industry that fuels the economy of the Sunshine State.

Foster never actually saw the Suwannee River. He picked the name from a map of the South after his original words - "Way down upon the Pedee River" - didn't quite give him the sound he wanted. His song, however, inspired many others to travel to Florida in search of the beautiful stream.

Foster's contributions to American music are now memorialized at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, Florida. One of the world's largest carillons is located on the grounds and plays Foster's songs at intervals throughout the day. The park is also the location of the Stephen Foster Museum, which features numerous artifacts and exhibits on Foster's life and music. One of the pianos he played is there, as is the desk on which he wrote Suwannee River.

In addition to preserving Foster's legacy, the park also serves as a state folk culture center for Florida. Artisans create native crafts on the grounds and a craft village gives visitors a chance to explore the folk art and crafts of Florida. Items ranging from woodwork to patchwork quilts are available for purchase.

To learn more, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/stephenfoster.