Philadelphia Folk Festival is a three-day festival held every year in Schwenksville, Pennysylvania located near Philadelphia. The festival is essentially a celebration of folk music. The Philadelphia Folksong Society, a non-profit organization, started it in 1962. Held every year during the third weekend of August, the folk festival attracts thousands of campers, day-trippers who participate to experience the sheer splendor of folk music. Folk Festival of Philadelphia is organized and managed by volunteers. The 2008 Philadelphia Folk Festival will be held on August 15, 16 and 17.
Philadelphia Folk Song Society, the festival sponsor was founded in the year 1957. The organization is engaged in the noble task of promoting traditional folk music. The money that is raised from this festival is pumped in to support other projects of the society like funding other folk song programs and in various community services like sending musicians to learning centers at reduced fees.
Eminent performers from folk background from different countries perform in the various programs of Philadelphia Folk Festival. Angel Band, Back of the Moon (Scottish folk band), Baka Beyond (African celtic band), The Coyotes (Kids Music and Dance Band) deserves a special mention. Performers Randy and Josey Brendle of the 'Echoing Heart' mesmerize the audience by narrating traditional stories from rural background. Ron Buchanan a famous dancer who is known all over the world for his 'pretzels and dips' is a major attraction of this festival.
Traditional rural crafts are an integral part of the folk festival. Craftsmen from different regions are invited,
and the visitors see different metal smiths, candle
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makers and glass blowers at work. The top of concert hill has been chosen as the craft area.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival also organizes different family centered activities. Children within the age group of 4 to 12 are taught to make colorful butterflies, masks, pompom critter, which offers an enriching and a learning experience for them. The festival also provides unique parent children interactive sessions.
Camping grounds of Philadelphia Folk Festival provide accommodation to more than 5,000 campers who come to experience the grandeur of the festival. Weekend Pass and camping tickets are available to enter the campgrounds. The campgrounds have separate areas for light camping tents and heavy camping vehicles. From the year 1997 a 'quieter camping area' has been demarcated within the light camping area, especially for families who prefer calm and quiet surroundings. During the festival time several motels and hotels situated nearby offer comfortable accommodation. French Creek Inn, Lansdale Motor Lodge, Main Stay Inn, Best Western Motor Inn and Motel 6 are some of the hotels. Three medical facilities are set up in the camping grounds. The medical tent is open 24 hours a day and is well equipped to handle even serious medical emergencies.
Philadelphia Folk Festival is easily accessible from all parts of city. The Schuykill Expressway (I-76) leads to the festival venue. Public buses at frequent intervals ply between the city and the festival venue during the Folk Festival.
Philadelphia Folk Festival is undoubtedly a cultural experience and is a platform to propagate and promote folk music and traditional craft.
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