Franklin Folk Festival 2014
Heritage means a lot to the people of Franklin, as it should. Although it’s somewhat cliché to say, it’s also undoubtedly true that you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been. That’s largely why the annual Franklin Folk Festival is so important to our community.
The Town of Franklin annually celebrates the past, a history inundated with rich Appalachian culture, with this wonderful festival that helps to keep traditions alive. On Saturday, July 19, the town hosted the 11th Annual Franklin Folk Festival, an event that had plenty to offer everyone.
Civil War Re-enactors, quilting, wood carving, an antique car show, youth heritage contest, and basket making are just a small list of activities folks were able to see. Mountain Bluegrass Jam Sessions were also featured, and if you happen to play, bring your instrument with you next year and strum along.
Franklin and Western North Carolina has changed substantially since the town was incorporated in the 19th century, but one thing remains constant – and that is our heritage. Make sure to attend our 12th Annual Festival next year www.FranklinFolkFestival.com. Here’s what people experienced this past weekend:
- 100+ Heritage Demonstrations/Exhibits
See Appalachian Artisans in action as they offer living demonstrations of their craft passed down from generation to generation. - Antique Car Show
Always a popular attraction of the Franklin Folk Festival featuring dozens of antique rides. - Civil War Re-enactors
Encamped off Main Street on Phillips Street, the reenactors demonstrate life from the Civil War era including live artillery fire and skirmishes. - Live Heritage Entertainment
Hear the sound of Authentic Appalachian music throughout the day at the Gazebo Stage, Church in the Wildwood, and Town Hall Jam Tent. - Heritage Alive Youth Talent Show
3:00 p.m. at the Gazebo Stage. For more information contact Heather Gordon at (828) 586-4009.
- Quilt Show & Indoor Exhibits
See a Special Exhibit of the Cabarrus Quilt, Celebrate America Autograph Quilt, and others at Tartan Hall of First Presbyterian Church and more exhibits in the Fellowship Hall of Franklin First Baptist Church. - Authentic Appalachian Crafts
Returning this year is Crafter’s Lane On Main offering you the opportunity to take a piece of authentic Appalachian Arts & Crafts back home. - Bluegrass Jam Sessions
Hear local talent or play along, so be sure to bring an instrument if you play. In addition to the Main Street Jammin’ Tent, sessions will be located at the Fire Department Area/Macon Bank parking lot, Life’s Bounty Bakery & Café, Paradise Music Store, Outdoor 76 and the Rathskellar Coffee Haus. - Children’s Heritage Activities
100 Years ago there were no XBoxes. Your young ones can participate in free heritage activities and learn how kids of yesteryear passed the time. - Author Autographings
(Books Unlimited on Main Street)
Various Authors including Bob Plott with Nannie – 11:00 AM Touching the Face of History: the Story of the Plott Hound, NC’s State Dog. This project is made possible by a grant from the NC Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment of the Humanities.
