Families get their ‘folk’ on at 78th-annual National Folk Festival

SALISBURY, Md. – Since its debut in 1934, the National Folk Festival is the oldest multicultural festival in the country. It celebrates heritage through traditional arts.

Event organizer Caroline O’Hara said, “Its an incredible responsibility to continue on the almost eight decades-long tradition.”

78 years in the making, the National Folk Festival brings in musicians, artists, and craftspeople from all over the country.

Shining the spotlight on Salisbury, the folk fest is an opportunity for the nation to see what the city is made of.

O’Hara also said, “Its a chance for us to show not only our community and the state, but also the country what Salisbury is about and what the Eastern Shore is about. We are just so excited to open up our doors and welcome people.”

Welcoming groups from all kids of different backgrounds, the festival encourages people to explore their roots with live music, performances, and activities for all ages.

Marie Ford, a Delmar resident visiting the festival said, “It’s nice to come and be able to do something as a family after a busy week of school.”

Rebecca Lee, a performer with the Sounds of Korea group said,  “To bring children and families up on stage and show them what we do and how to express themselves with a different instrument, it helps children and families to expand their cultural interests.”

Giving kids hands-on learning opportunities, not only are they able to explore their own heritage, but also learn about other groups while having fun creating kazoos, “rainsticks,” and dancing with performers on stage.

Though it may have been a wet Saturday, it didn’t stop families from getting their folk on!

Lee said, “We travel all over the United States and all over the world. We appreciate our culture and we really want to share it with everybody. We think it’s very special.”