The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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Courtesy Photo:
Horse pulling competitions, coon dog treeing and racing contests, sheep herding demonstrations, and the Virginia State Championship Coon Mule Jumping Contest will delight animal fans at the 36th annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival. |
Monday, October 12, 2009
Horses, howlers, and hipsters--even a jumping mule with a flair for painting--will share the bill at the 36th annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, Western Virginia's largest celebration of living heritage.
The festival showcases "real roots" in a one-day, family-friendly event. The 2009 festival will takes place Saturday, Oct. 24 on the campus of Ferrum College. Gates open at 10 a.m. for a full day of activities through 5 p.m.ﾠ
One of 13 major venues on the Crooked Road Music Trail, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival highlights music, crafts, foods, dancing, quilting, kids' games, work horses, hunting dogs, moonshining, vintage tractors, custom cars and much more. The New York Times has called the festival "thoroughly authentic."
Four music stages will offer the best in lively fiddle-and-banjo tunes, bluegrass, ballads, gospel and blues. At 1 p.m., an afternoon sock hop will reunite two of the area's '50s rock 'n roll groups, The Dazzlers and Don Day & The Knights. For those whose dance tastes lean toward even older styles, mountain dance workshops will explore the artistry of Blue Ridge buck dancing, flat-footing and clogging. Also on stage, retired moonshiners, revenuers and rockabilly performers will share memories in storytelling workshops.ﾠﾠﾠ
Fine Blue Ridge crafts are widely appreciated, and nearly 50 folk artisans will be demonstrating their traditional skills, everything from tatting to blacksmithing. Many will have their handmade items for sale. This year's quilt show will also feature dozens of private-collection antique Virginia quilts.
Horse pulling competitions, coon dog treeing and racing contests, sheep herding demonstrations, and the Virginia State Championship Coon Mule Jumping Contest will delight animal fans. At midday "Amazing Grace," a champion jumping mule, will put paint to canvas to show off her artistic side, and her paintings will be auctioned off to the crowd.
A working rock crusher, wheat thresher, baler, grist mill, plus dozens of old engines and tractors will pulse with the power of old machinery. Additionally, the festival annually includes one of the largest hot rod, restored and custom car shows in the region.ﾠ
For youngsters, the festival offers a continuous slate of games that entertained earlier generations. When hunger strikes, everything from fried apple pies to black pot chicken will be available at dozens of country food booths.
The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival brings together the best of the Blue Ridge's living roots, covering the campus of Ferrum College. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens. Parking is free.ﾠ For more information or advance tickets, call 540-365-4412, email bri@ferrumedu or visit WWW.BLUERIDGEINSTITUTE.ORG.ﾠ |
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