“We are just having a ball:” 81st National Folk Festival returns to downtown Salisbury
SALISBURY, Md.- This weekend, the 81st National Folk Fest made its return to downtown Salisbury.
It’s the fourth year the city as hosted the free event that celebrates the arts from across the U.S.
“You see people smiling and having a great time and that just makes my day. That’s why I want to keep doing this,” National Folk Festival Local Manager Caroline O’Hare said.
“We had like a little Mexican polka going on and something I don’t even know. We are just having a ball walking around and dancing to all the different music. It’s fun,” Festival goer Deanna Briddell said.
Live music, food, and even a lavender farm made this year’s National Folk Fest a must stop.
Outside of all the fun, organizers tells us the annual event is an economic booster for the area. “It’s something that not only helps bring new money into our community now but also there’s a long range reach for that because people come back and visit,” O’Hare said.
The three-day affair celebrates the diversity of American culture featuring musicians and craftspeople from all across the U.S.
Out of the hundreds of artists, we caught up with Dennis Napolitan who’s the Owner of Malina Custom Leather. For 50 years, his magic hands have made one-of kind items from belts to earrings. “My mother was a seamstress and had a tailor shop and I used to sit by her and watch her stitching,” Naoplitan said.
“Ran into a shop in Provincetown and boy I tell ya, what I saw there. The aroma of that leather just pulled me right in.”
As festival goers roamed through artwork and even had the chance to make their own candles, those I spoke with say the event is one that keeps on giving. For that reason, I’m told they’ll keep coming back.
“It’s so big. Like literally get here early and enjoy everything they have to offer because it is a good time,” Briddell said.
Habitat for Humanity was also out among the other festival activities building a shed, demonstrating some of the work they do in the community.
Sunday, August 28th marks end of the festival.
