New and Improved Folkmoot
Guest Post
by:
Elizabeth Burson, Programming
FolkmootUSA.org
My name is Elizabeth Burson and I do programming here at Folkmoot. I was born and raised in Haywood County and have been attending the Folkmoot festival since before I can remember. As soon as I turned 16, I signed up to be a guide and have worked for the festival for 6 years.
Folkmoot is in the process of transforming itself from an annual festival to a year-round arts and culture organization. We have a 40,000 square foot building, the Historic Hazelwood School, that we are interested in filling with arts and crafts people, musicians, culinary artists and educational activities. I’m part of that vision as I help to set up new programs!
Folkmoot Festival 2016 is going to be better than ever before with events based on the suggestions from the community! Folkmoot is hosting 10 dancing troupes from all over the world, specifically France, Poland, Finland, Romania, China, Japan, Dominican Republic, Peru, Ghana and a US-based group which performs traditional Mexican folk dances. You can expect to enjoy cultural dance demonstrations, delicious food, beverages, and community dance lessons.
Here are a few new additions to our summer line up:
“The 33rd Annual “Wanderlust” Gala”July 21, 2016 will be an evening of fun and world culture for our Friends of Folkmoot. Each attendant will be greeted with a glass of champagne and flower for every lady. Live and silent auctions will offer attendees travel related gifts, multi-cultural experiences and world travel. After the performance there will be a party filled with fun activities with our groups, multi-cultural cuisine, a wine pull and travel portraits. Find more information on becoming a Friend of Folkmoot here and purchase tickets to the Gala here.
“Parade of Nations” July 23, 2016 has become a community kickoff day in Haywood County. This year we are changing the date and time to Saturday morning to allow for families to attend. This spectacular event includes Folkmoot’s international groups, local organizations, giant puppets and stilt walkers. This event is a chance for Western Carolinians to welcome their international guests to the mountain, as well as preview cultural performances. The parade will start at 10:00 am on Main Street in Waynesville.
“Many Cultures Kid’s Carnival” July 23, 2016 is a new event for Folkmoot, held from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the field adjacent to the Folkmoot Friendship Center and will feature regional organizations and clubs hosting booths with varying cultural themes, including games and crafts. Folkmoot’s international performers will teach cultural dances to children. Topping off this amazing day will be dance performances in Folkmoot’s newly renovated Sam Love Queen Auditorium! Each performance will include two groups and will cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids with a $30 cap for larger families.
Folkmoot Cultural Conversations and Dance Performance, July 24, 2016 will be facilitated by Folkmoot staff and First United Methodist Church of Waynesville members, local residents and representatives from Folkmoot’s international guests will share a meal and discuss similarities and differences between participating cultures. All ages are welcome. Lunch starts at 12pm in the Christian Growth Center and cost $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Conversation begins at 1pm (Free). Group performance begins at 2pm in the sanctuary and costs $15 per ticket for adults and $10 for kids. If you would like to attend both the lunch and performance tickets are $25 for adult and $10 for kids.
Folkmoot is evolving to better meet the interests of the community and we are excited for our future. We hope you are, too. For more information on Folkmoot please visit our website, FolkmootUSA.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
You won’t want to miss a minute of the action this season, mark your calendar and join us!
Best,
Elizabeth and the Folkmoot USA Community