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This article is from the Encyclopedia of North Carolina edited by William S. Powell. Copyright © 2006 by the University of North Carolina Press. Used by permission of the publisher. For personal use and not for further distribution. Please submit permission requests for other use directly to the publisher.

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Folk Festivals

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

See also: Azalea Festival; Eastern Music Festival; Festival for the Eno; Folk Art; Folklore; Folkmoot USA; Folk Music; Hollerin' Contest; MerleFest; Mountain Dance and Folk Festival; Mule Day; Old-Time String Band Music.

Part i: Introduction; Part ii: Original Folk Festivals and Contemporary Gatherings; Part iii: Ethnic and Holiday Festivals; Part iv: Music and Food Festivals; Part v: Refences

Part I: Introduction

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. 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, folk art, music, or foodways. 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 > Part II: Original Folk Festivals and Contemporary Gatherings Keep reading

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 https://www.flickr.com/photos/north-carolina-state-archives/2387463997/ (accessed June 15, 2012).

Subjects: 
Culture
Events
Authors: 
Baker, Bruce E.
McFee, Philip
Pertalion, Patricia L.
From: 
Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press.

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