Folk Festivals - Part 1: Introduction [1]

Folk Festivals

by Philip McFee and Bruce E. Baker, 2006
Additional research provided by Patricia L. Pertalion.

See also: Azalea Festival [2]; Eastern Music Festival [3]; Festival for the Eno [4]; Folk Art [5]; Folklore [6]; Folkmoot USA [7]; Folk Music [8]; Hollerin' Contest [9]; MerleFest [10]; Mountain Dance and Folk Festival [11]; Mule Day [12]; Old-Time String Band Music [13].

Folk Festivals - Part 1: Introduction; Folk Festivals - Part 2: Original Folk Festivals and Contemporary Gatherings [14]; Folk Festivals - Part 3: Ethnic and Holiday Festivals [15]; Folk Festivals - Part 4: Music and Food Festivals [16]; Folk Festivals - Part 5: Refences [17]

Introduction

[18]Folk festivals and arts festivals are an integral part of North Carolina's cultural and artistic heritage. Held in nearly all 100 counties and ranging from large, highly publicized events to small community gatherings, these lively events define and enhance the strong sense of community, cooperation, and creativity that pervades the state. In many towns, festivals focus on some unique aspect of their locale and identity to both celebrate regional history and boost the economy. Other festivals aim to increase ethnic or environmental awareness or to spread appreciation of regional folklore [6], folk art [5], music [8], or foodways [19]. Regardless of their purpose, all North Carolina festivals share the same essential attributes-a passion for communal gathering, an enthusiasm for regional art and folk achievements, and a desire to advance and enrich the state's artistic life and culture.

Keep reading >>Folk Festivals - Part 2: Original Folk Festivals and Contemporary Gatherings [14] [14]

Image Credit:

Asheville Mountain Music Festival Asheville August 1938, photo taken by Baker. The musicians are Osey and Ernest Helton. Conservation and Development Department, Travel and Tourism Division Photo Files, North Carolina State Archives, call #: ConDev1424C. Available from http://www.flickr.com/photos/north-carolina-state-archives/2387463997/ [18] (accessed June 15, 2012).

Subjects:

Culture [20]

Events [21]

UNC Press [22]

Authors:

Baker, Bruce E. [23]

McFee, Philip [24]

Pertalion, Patricia L. [25]

From:

Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press. [26]

1 January 2006 | Baker, Bruce E.; McFee, Philip; Pertalion, Patricia L.