When many folks hear the words "Folk Festival"
images of Woodstock, Joan Baez and peace signs flood their minds like
a bad flashback. Others know that folk festivals can't be pigeonholed
into that singular hippie category. Folk festivals run the gamut of
musical, ethnical and artistic genres.
Fortunately
for us in Pennsylvania, there
are equally as many festivals as there are festival varieties right
here in the Keystone State.
The
majority of the festivals in PA are held from May through September
and can be found throughout the state. Some offer various activities,
while others are very type specific.
Pennsylvania's
rich heritage and ethnic and cultural history are mirrored by its
festivals. Some of the ethnic festivals to be found are Scottish, Irish,
Pennsylvania German and Dutch Here you'll be able to dance a jig, eat some shoofly pie,
listen to bagpipes, buy a quilt, sing along to your favorite tunes,
and maybe even learn a little about your ancestral roots.
There
are many music festivals specializing in anything from Alternative to
Zydeco with Bach, Blues and Bluegrass in between. The venues are
equally as contrasting with anything from amphitheaters to farmland.
Before you arrive at the festival, be sure to check on the amenities
available. For some festivals you may want to bring a blanket or lawn
chair and a picnic meal. For other festivals, you may not want to
bring anything as seating is ample and there is wonderful food to
sample.
The
art festivals offer visual and performing arts exhibits and
performances. You'll find fine arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery,
sculpture, dance, musicians, plays and more.
One
of the best things about the festivals is that many of the festivals
have camping areas available for their patrons. In some cases camping
is free with admission to the festival. In other cases there is a
nominal charge. However, be prepared for all types of camping. Some of
the festivals are actually held at campgrounds with all the amenities,
while others only offer land on which to pitch your tent.
Before
you go, be sure to check out our PA
Festivals Calendar to find out where and when all the
festivals are. And don't forget to check with the organizers of the
festival to get further information on each particular festival, since
they vary so widely in ammenities.
Well,
once again it looks like Pennsylvania has something for everyone. So,
get out there and enjoy!
