The heritage and folkways of the Blue Ridge take center stage at the 42nd Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, October 24, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the campus of Ferrum College, Ferrum, Virginia. The BRFF introduces visitors to the best of the region’s “real roots” musicians and artisans plus moonshine tale tellers, draft horse and working dog trainers, car builders, tractor buffs, country cooks, and much more.
The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is unlike any other festival in Virginia. Spectators can cheer on their favorite draft horses in feats of pulling strength and log skidding then follow the call of baying hounds competing in treeing contests and water races. Amazing Grace, the “movie star” trick mule, will be dunking basketballs, painting pictures, and then competing at the BRFF’s state championship coon mule jumping contest. Nearby sheep dogs will be showing off their obsessive drive to herd.
With three music stages running continuously throughout the day, the BRFF offers 21 hours of fiddle-and-banjo tunes, bluegrass, gospel, blues, ballads, and sentimental mountain songs. This year’s musical highlights include A Life of Sorrow: The Life & Times of Carter Stanley, a one-man show exploring the musical magic and personal hurtles of Virginia’s famed bluegrass pioneer. The BRFF also brings together on stage Larry Sigmon & Martha Spencer, two icons of western Virginia old-time music creating one of the region’s most distinctive string band sounds.
Festival-goers with a love of vintage iron have much to enjoy amid over 250 show cars and dozens of restored tractors and hit-and-miss engines. Rock crushing, threshing, and baling demonstrations show the power and technology of antique machinery. Bullseye target shooters will be teaching the master techniques of a simpler machine, the slingshot.
Over 50 craftspeople demonstrate their heritage hand skills at the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival. Retired moonshiners and revenuers take the stage to tell tales about their cat-and-mouse adventures. And when hunger hits, visitors can choose from 20 old-time country foods—not a hamburger or hot dog in sight!
“Our event is known for showcasing the real thing,” said BRFF director Roddy Moore. “Our participants grew up with these traditions in their families and communities, and their skills and artistry help define Blue Ridge heritage.”
Held rain or shine on the Ferrum College campus , the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is a one-of-a-kind full day of family entertainment. Priced with the family in mind, admission is: Adults–$10; Youth (6-15)–$5; and Senior Citizens (60 and over)–$5. Advance tickets can be purchased by check or credit card at 540-365-4412. Parking is free.
For more information visit www.blueridgefolklifefestival.org, email [email protected], or call 540-365-4412.