Glimpses of the 2007 WV State Folk Festival

Above is Paul Hartmann ringing in the Festival on Thursday afternoon. The opening ceremony starts with the Festival's bell ringing. The church bells ring along with the college's bells. Thursday evening was the first square dance evening.

Most of our Friday afternoon was devoted to the WV Folk Festival Belles. These ladies, who are all over 70 years young, are a delight. They go all out in their period costumes. There is such a wealth of experiences and knowledge in these pioneer ladies. The photo below was taken of the past Belles riding in the parade. I could not help take the other photo on Satrurday in front of one of the many antique vehicles.

Below is a photo of Lynne and Ron Kemper. Ron's Dad, Claude, was instrumental in an exhibit called "Birds of My Hollow". His hand carved birds are wonderful. Before his death, Claude taught Lynne how to do the carvings. She is carrying on this great tradition.




















The Folk Festival is MUSIC! The sounds of fiddles, dulcimers, banjoes, and many other instruments are ever present during the Festival. In front of the Methodist Church is usually the site of Patty Looman and her hammered dulcimers. Here are two of Patty's "students".

















The Festival was dedicated to old time musicians Lester and Linda McCumbers of Nicut in Calhoun County. Here is the good wife with Lester. Lester is one of the last of the old time fiddlers.

















Kids enjoy the Festival. Here we have a young lady who has been to the face painter. Tis a pink panther- I do believe!
















One of the treats at the Festival is the Oral Traditions/Singing Tent. We had several poets and writers read their works. Fran Schmetzer had a book signing on her new book, Musings of an Oldtimer. Here is Mack Samples with his new book. It was a great Festival!