The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival on October 28 will feature more than 20 bands, arts and crafts, horses, coon dogs, sheep, Hot Rods, and much more.
If you haven't made plans yet, you may want to consider attending this weekend’s Blue Ridge Folklife Festival on the western half of Ferrum College’s campus. The festival, held each year on the fourth Saturday of October, boasts of providing “real roots galore.” From music to a variety of folk traditions, this Saturday's event schedule is stocked with entertainment and activities that could easily fill an entire three-day weekend! [caption id="attachment_4055" align="aligncenter" width="562"]
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The festival’s three stages will feature 21 hours of musical entertainment with a lineup that reflects a true American Roots experience. From Larry Sigmon and Marth Spencer’s high-energy mountain dance music to the rich bluegrass gospel of the True Life Travelers, the whole gambit of roots, folk ,and country music will be covered. However, the event will also be educational, with workshops centered around banjo styles, family ballad traditions, and the music of the Carter Family (which began with June Carter Cash and husband Johnny Cash).
Other activities will include slingshot shooting, coon mule jumping, sheep herding, and corn meal grinding. A coon dog treeing contest will demonstrate country living at its best when trained coon dogs compete to pick up the scent of raccoons, while the horse pulling contest will feature horses competing to pull the heaviest weight.
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The vintage car showcase will display restored old classics, hot rods, muscle cars, and stock cars. Last year more than 300 vehicles were on display, to the delight of car enthusiasts.
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The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival also features kids' activities and games, more than 50 craft vendors, and approximately two dozen different food vending options. Enjoy homemade and traditional recipes such as black pot chicken, chitterlings, barbecue, homemade donuts, and fried apples!
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The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival takes place on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Adult tickets are $10, seniors 60 and older $5, children five to 15 $5, and kids five and under are free. For more info, visit Blue Ridge Folklife Festival’s website.
