57^th Annual Folk Festival is Right Around the Corner

On any given day in the quaint northeastern town of White Springs, perched upon the banks of the Suwannee River, visitors can relax amidst majestic live oaks, enjoy hiking and biking trails or paddle along the historic river. The charming ambiance envelops the town which is dotted with Victorian era homes and turn-of-the-century churches.

All of that transforms for three days during the month of May when the enchanting little town, with a current population of 827, hosts the Florida Folk Festival. An estimated 30,000 festival goers congregate to enjoy some foot-stomping fiddlin’, arts and crafts with a distinctive flair, and tried and true down-home southern cooking. This year’s event marks the 57th annual Florida Folk Festival. And with Florida native and Grammy Award winner Billy Dean, folk rock band Spanky & Our Gang and Florida Folk Heritage Award winner Jeanie Fitchen among the 300 performances, this year’s festival promises to have ‘something for everyone.'

While listening to the music that fills the air throughout the day and into the evening, stroll the festival grounds and watch wood workers hand carve sculptures and duck decoys. See expert artisans demonstrate their skills in needlework, rug braiding, spinning and weaving. Or meet some of the talented musicians who handcraft stringed instruments, such as guitars, banjos, dulcimers, violins, mandolins and ukuleles.

Those who come hungry won’t be disappointed, either. For folks who like to stick with what they know, there will be more traditional fare -- from smoked mullet and baked beans - to fried chicken and greens - to a meatloaf dinner followed by sweet potato pie. Those with less traditional palates might choose the crab meat burritos, curried goat or lamb gyro on a pita.

Vegetable lovers can share in the delights with many items ranging from roasted corn, curried potatoes, veggie stir-fry and even deep-fried veggies. And the sweet tooth will be fulfilled with the likes of pecan and sweet potato pies, gourmet brownies, apple cobbler or fried twinkies -- oh my!

The three-day event is meant to introduce out-of-towners to some of Florida’s culture and heritage. And for those who are a part of that history, to remind them of how lucky they are.

57th Annual Florida Folk Festival
May 22 – 24
Gates open at 8 a.m.; final performances of the day end about 11 p.m.