What global organization has hosted 8,000 people from countries all over the world and has pumped 120 million tourism dollars into the local economy over the past 30 years?

There are many wonderful events throughout the western part of North Carolina, but none can compare to Folkmoot USA’s impact on the communities in this region. Citizens and visitors count on the Folkmoot Festival to provide entertainment, education, and those important tourism dollars, each year.

Folkmoot USA’s Board of Directors, staff and volunteers are planning this special 30th Anniversary Festival to take place July 17-28. Guest performers from Mexico, Thailand, Slovakia, Japan, Canada (Scottish Highland Dance), Martinique, Poland, France (Stilt-walkers), local clogging groups and musicians, and The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians official ambassadors—The Warriors of Anikituwah—will appear.

Although most performances are centered in Haywood County, Folkmoot can be experienced in 12 cities, including Waynesville, Asheville, Hendersonville, Franklin, Burnsville and Hickory. Come out and support local cultural favorites: Dixie Darlin’s, Southern Appalachian Cloggers, Southern Mountain Fire, Green Valley Cloggers and J-Creek Cloggers. One or more of these groups will be appearing at seven Haywood County performances throughout the Festival.

BearWaters Brewing Company, one of Haywood County’s award winning microbreweries, is now producing a Folkmoot 30th Anniversary beer that should be ready to tap before the Festival kicks off on July 17. To help prepare 15,000 nutritious meals during the 2-week Festival, Folkmoot will also be working with local growers, and the Buy Haywood Program, to provide the freshest local produce to help fuel the international performers.

Everyone can celebrate and support Folkmoot’s 30th by becoming a member through the Friends of Folkmoot Program. Folks can join for as little as $35 per year.

Anyone can also attend the Gala Preview Performance and Champagne Reception for Friends of Folkmoot members, donors and sponsors, which will be held at Maggie Valley’s Stompin’ Ground on Thursday, July 18. This all group performance is filmed each year. DVDs will be offered for sale during the Festival.

For a Friends of Folkmoot membership of $150, patrons receive two Gala tickets; 4 tickets for $250; 8 tickets for $500; or 8 tickets for $1,000 plus an invitation to a special private Folkmoot performance with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Go on line to www.FolkmootUSA.org to learn more about Friends of Folkmoot.

Festival Highlights*

Friday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Grand Opening at the Stompin Grounds, featuring the Dixie Darlin’s.

Saturday July 20 at 7:30 p.m.
All Groups at Haywood Community College, featuring the Southern Appalachian Cloggers.

Sunday, July 21 at 3:30 p.m.
World Friendship Day at Stuart Auditorium, featuring Southern Mountain Fire.

Thursday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Five Groups at Haywood Community College, featuring the Green Valley Cloggers and Southern Appalachian Cloggers.

Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m.
All Groups at the Stompin Grounds, featuring the J-Creek Cloggers.

Saturday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m.
All Groups at Haywood Community College, featuring Dixie Darlin’s.

Sunday, July 28 at 7 p.m.
Closing Performance at Stuart Auditorium, features Southern Mountain Fire.

* Dancers Subject to change.

If You Go: Folkmoot USA’s special 30th Anniversary Festival takes place July 17-28. For more details call (828) 452-2997 or visit www.FolkmootUSA.org