Sweet Wednesday at 2009 Ozark Folk Festival
(EUREKA SPRINGS, AR) – When the country’s longest continuously running folk festival returns here for it’s 63rd go-round this November, it will include the return of an old tradition and the birth of a new one. The 63rd Annual Original Ozark Folk Festival, Nov. 4-6, is bringing back the Barefoot Ball by popular demand as well as inaugurating a talent show competition.
The new talent competition is part of a free show at the Auditorium Nov. 4. The Barefoot Ball returns to the Basin Park Hotel the following night.
A short performance by the Hedgehoppers precedes the talent competition. A student group has performed under that name each year since the festival’s earliest days. This year, Eureka Springs Elementary School teacher Sheila Payne leads this music and dance group of elementary school students. Doors open at 5:30 and the Hedgehoppers take the stage at 6 p.m.
The Youth Talent Show, for ages 17 and under, will be from 6:15-8 p.m. The Adult Talent Show, for ages 18 and over, begins at 8:30. The talent shows have been added to allow more individuals the opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities.
A staple of nearly every Ozark Folk Festival has been the craft show, celebrating the diverse skills of our many local craftspeople. This year the free Ozarks Crafts Show happens Nov. 5 and 6 from noon until 6 p.m. There will be displays of historic Ozark arts and crafts in Basin Spring Park, and artisans will be demonstrating their skills. Visitors to the crafts show will also be entertained by free live folk music in Basin Spring Park from noon until 6 p.m.
Since its inception as part of the folk festival on June 23, 1948, the Barefoot Ball has had a long and rich, if not uninterrupted, history. Doors open at 6 p.m. Nov. 5 for the 2010 edition of this festive, unpretentious dance. The 1905 Basin Park Hotel’s Barefoot Ballroom, named after the event, will once again be the venue. Fayetteville’
The festival’s final day, Nov. 6, is its’ fullest. The free concerts and craft show continue in Basin Spring Park from noon until 6 p.m. The Singer/Songwriter contest finals are from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Auditorium. Admission is free. The folk festival parade winds its way through historic downtown at 2 p.m.
Folk festival’s headline act will appear at the Auditorium that night as well. While the headliner is yet to be announced, these performers are confirmed to appear at this year’s festival: Rebecca Loebe, Raina Rose, Lyle Strickland, Kim Richardson, GBmojo, 3 Penny Acre, Susan Shore, and Michael Cockron.
To order tickets, and for schedule updates as they become available, go online to www.ozarkfolkfestival.com.
