From a press release:
Folkmoot Festival, July 18–27
Folkmoot USA is proud to present the 31st Folkmoot Festival, July 18 – 27, 2014. One of the region’s most popular annual events, the 10-day Folkmoot Festival has an economic impact of $9.2 million, attracting thousands of people to Western North Carolina from across the United States.
Colorfully costumed traditional dancers and musicians traveling to the USA from different countries are the centerpiece of North Carolina’s Official International Folklore Festival. Continuing a tradition spanning three decades, about 250 performers from 9 cultures will perform at 14 different venues in 7 counties throughout Western North Carolina.
Folkmoot means “Meeting of the People” in old English and our mission includes providing opportunities for cultural exchange. Audiences are invited to meet the performers before and after performances and during other Festival events. Folkmoot’s international performers want to talk with you and appreciate learning about your cultural heritage. In 2014, dancers and musicians from Chinese Taipei, Trinidad, Colombia, Russia, Turkey, Romania, and Hawaii, USA, along with groups representing Appalachian and Cherokee cultures are expected to perform.
New in 2014: Children 12 and under will be admitted free to the majority of performances! Tickets are now on sale for all performances and can be purchased on the Folkmoot website, in person at the Folkmoot Center or by calling toll free 877-365-5872. Although the majority of performances take place in Haywood County, visitors can attend performances in the counties of Swain, Macon, Buncombe, Yancey, Henderson, and Catawba. Two performance/workshops will also take place at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. A complete schedule can be viewed on Folkmoot’s website.
Everyone can celebrate and support Folkmoot USA programs by becoming a member through the Friends of Folkmoot Program. Your donations support free events for kids and families and support our international guests during their stay in Waynesville at the Folkmoot Friendship Center. Pick up a brochure at your local Visitor Center or go online to FolkmootUSA.org to learn more about Friends of Folkmoot.
To raise funds for the 2014 Festival, Folkmoot USA invites the community to attend the “Funtastic Folkmoot Fling” on Friday, May 30 from 5:30 – 9:30 at Sid’s on Main in Canton, North Carolina. Tickets are $50 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a raffle, live and silent auction and a cash bar. Sponsored in part by: John Highsmith, DDS.; Peggy Melville, Shepperd Insurance, ReMax Mountain Realty; Johnny On The Spot; Greene Brothers and Smoky Mountain News.
Volunteer groups and individuals are still needed to ready the Folkmoot Center for the Festival. We are painting rooms, making up beds and tidying up in anticipation of our international guests’ arrivals on July 17. If you, your company, church or civic group would like to help, please contact Doug Garrett at 828-452-2997 to volunteer. We could not hold this event without the generous help of volunteers!
Folkmoot USA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that relies upon donations, sponsorships, Friends of Folkmoot members, ticket sales and grants to hold the Folkmoot Festival each year, and is based in Waynesville, NC. Folkmoot’s Festival is a Top Twenty Event in the Southeast (Southeastern Tourism Association) and a Top 100 Event in America (American Bus Association).
For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to www.FolkmootUSA.org or call 877-FolkUSA (877-365-5872). Like us on Facebook: “Folkmoot USA, The “Official” North Carolina International Folk Festival.”
Festival Event Schedule*
*This schedule is subject to change. Please visit FolkmootUSA.org for additions or cancellations or call the ticket office, 828-452-2997.July 18, F-7:30 pm—Grand Opening, Stompin’ Ground, Maggie Valley. (All Groups) Reserved seating: Adults $30, $25; General admission Adults $20; Children (12 & under) ½ price.
July 19, SA-10 – 5—Haywood County Arts Council’s ArtFest (formerly International Festival Day), Main Street, Waynesville. Folkmoot groups perform to benefit Haywood County Arts Council. Info@haywoodarts.org or 828-452-0593.
July 19, SA-2:00 pm—Performance/Workshop, Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds, Information and directions: (800) 438-1601 (1 Cherokee and 1 Folkmoot group) General Admission: Adults $10, Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 19, SA-7:30 pm—Haywood Community College, Clyde. (All Groups) Reserved seating: Adults $30, $25; General admission Adults $20; Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 20, SU-1:30 pm—Asheville Jewish Community Center, 236 Charlotte Street, 28801 (828) 253-0701. (2 Groups) General Admission Adults $18, Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 20, SU-3:30 pm—World Friendship Day, Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska. (5 Groups) Reserved seating: Adults $25, $20; General admission Adults $15; Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 20, SU-7:00 pm—SALT Block Auditorium, Hickory. (3 Groups) Hickory International Council: (828) 234-6330. General Admission Adults $16; Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 21, M-7:30 pm—Gala Performance & Champagne Reception, Stompin’ Ground, Maggie Valley. (All Groups) Private event for Friends of Folkmoot ($150 up), donors and sponsors.
July 22, T-7:30 pm—Colonial Theatre, Canton (3 Groups) Adults $16; Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 22, T-7:30 pm—Swain High School, Bryson City. (3 Groups) Adults $16; Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 23, W-2:00 pm—Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock. (All Groups) General Admission Adults $30, Students, Faculty: ½ price, Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 23, W-7:30 pm—Asheville High School, Asheville. (All Groups) General Admission Adults $30, Students, Faculty: ½ price, Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 24, TH-2:00 pm—Town Center, Burnsville. (2 Groups) General Admission Adults $16; Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 24, TH-7:30 pm—Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, Franklin. (3 Groups) Adults $27, $22; Children (12 & under) FREE. Tickets: (828) 524-1598
July 25, F-2:00 pm—Extravaganza Matinee, Stompin’ Ground, Maggie Valley. (All Groups) Reserved seating: Adults $30, $25; General admission Adults $20; Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 25, F-6:30 pm—Folkmoot Group Guest Appearance at Mountain Street Dance, Main Street, Waynesville. Free Event. For information: www.downtownwaynesville.com
July 25, F-7:30 pm—Extravaganza, Stompin’ Ground, Maggie Valley. (All Groups) Reserved seating: $30, $25; General admission Adults $20; Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 26, SA-10:30 am—Folkmoot Parade of Nations, Waynesville. From Historic Court House down Main Street, Free Event.
July 26, SA-3:00 pm—Performance/Workshop, Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds (800) 438-1601. (1 Cherokee and 1 Folkmoot Group) General Admission Adults $10, Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 26, SA-7:30 pm—Haywood Community College, Clyde. (All Groups) Reserved seating: Adults $30, $25; General Admission Adults $20; Children (12 & under) FREE.
July 27, SU-1:30 pm—Diana Wortham Theater, Asheville. (All Groups) General Admission, Adults $30, Children (12 & under) FREE. Tickets: (828) 247-4530 or dwtheatre.com
July 27, SU-7:00 pm—Candlelight Closing, Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska. (All Groups) Reserved seating: Adults $30, $25; General admission Adults $20; Children (12 & under) ½ price.
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