Folkmoot USA
Opening parade
North Carolina's International Folk Festival
Every year since we moved to the Waynesville area, my wife and I have attended this wonderful two week long event. For several summers, our granddaughter from New Jersey joined us.
On Friday of the opening weekend, Downtown Waynesville blocks off Main Street for the annual Folkmoot USA Parade. Units from each of the countries participate in full regalia demonstrating their folk dance and music skills. Every year over three hundred countries compete to participate and this year, only ten were chosen.
Dance troupes and musicians from Russia, India, Latvia, United Kingdom(Irish), France, Switzerland, Jordan, Turkey, Poland, and Portugal will participate in both public and private performances as well as offer instruction for school kids.
State Senator Joe Sam Queen
Loyal fan
Local architect and State Senator, Joe Sam Queen is an active participant and loyal fan of Folkmoot USA.
This exciting event draws over one hundred thousand spectators from all over the country and has been held for twenty-six years.
Senator Queen was instrumental in having Folkmoot USA designated as North Carolina's Official International Festival. It has also been named as "One of the Top Twenty Events in the Southeast."
Scenes from the 2009 Folkmoot USA Parade
Watch for another HUB !!
There's more to come!
Watch for my next hub with photos from the 2009 evening performance at the Maggie Valley Stompin' Ground.
Get your tickets here!
- Folkmoot USA--The State International Festival of North Carolina | Folkmoot
Official website for Folkmoot USA. See more photos here and purchase tickets.