60th Annual Folk Fest starts Friday

Published 1:20 pm Tuesday, May 22, 2012

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The 60th Annual Florida Folk Festival will begin Friday and conclude on Sunday, May 27 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 25, on the banks of the Suwannee River.

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“It is, without a doubt, one of the most wonderful events to celebrate the traditions, culture, music, food and diversity of the state of Florida,” said local resident and musician Johnny Bullard. “The state of Florida should be justifiably proud to be the sponsor of the oldest state sponsored Folk Festival in the United States.”

Headliners for this year’s Festival is Florida’s own superstars John Anderson and Billy Dean as well as Florida favorite Arlo Guthrie. Hundreds more folk music legends from throughout the Sunshine State will be on hand.

Walter McKenzie said it’s not just about the music, however.

“I love the diversity and quality of not only the music but also the arts, the crafts and the craft demonstrations, the dance performances, the storytelling and the food and beverages,” said McKenzie. “Nowhere else can you get such a complete experience, a real big wonderful slice of the Florida cultural pie.”

Price for admission is $25 for one day for adults, $50 for the weekend. Children 6-16 are $5 all three days. Children under six get in free. For more information, call toll free at 1-877-635-3655.

The park is located at 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs Florida, just off US 41.