FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2019

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

Celebrate the 67th Annual Florida Folk Festival

The live performances are one of the many highlights of the Florida Folk Festival.

WHITE SPRINGS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service invites you to the 67th Annual Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs. The festival will be held Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, on the banks of the historic Suwannee River. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24.

During the three-day event, there will be more than 300 performances by Florida's greatest folk and roots artists, as well as and folk, blues, gospel, country, Latin, jazz, bluegrass, Caribbean and zydeco music.

Recognized as a "Top 20 Event" by the Southeast Tourism Society, the festival has been a venue for folk artists since 1953. In addition to the full schedule of performances, visitors can participate in jam sessions, workshops and demonstrations, and purchase local food and merchandise from various vendors.

“Music is one of the most powerful tools for exploring and interpreting our relationship with the environment,” Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper said. “The Florida Folk Festival is almost 67 years old now, and over the years the stories told there have become more diverse and greater in number than ever. I’m excited to enjoy the food, music and traditions that make the Florida Folk Festival one of the best events of the year.”

Each year, the Florida Department of State's Florida Folklife Program highlights different areas and cultures of Florida. The artists and traditions at the Folklife Area represent Florida's cultural diversity, the effects of immigration and migration, and the many ways that newcomers enrich the state today.

Advance tickets for the festival are $25 per day or $50 for the weekend. On the day of the event, tickets will be $30 per day or $60 for the weekend. Children under 6 years of age are admitted free of charge. Ticket prices for children between the ages of 6 and 16 will be $5 for the entire weekend.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/241e744