By Ethan Eastwood
Twelve hours of non-stop music, friendly vendors and a sheet cake, drew in both students and residents local to the North Country this past Saturday. On arguably the best day St. Lawrence county’s weather has offered this year, the 8th annual North Country Folk Festival took place.
The scene of Folk Fest was hard to miss and harder to forget. A huge tent filled with bands, music and dancing; tables covered with locally made food, clothes and knick-knacks; and even a biergarten (for those of age) overlaid the Old Java Quad.
The event was put on by the Green House, who worked tirelessly to make the day as successful as possible. Treasurer of the Green House, Emma Wood, says she was very satisfied with the turnout. She commends the work of all the members of the Green House and how the event draws in community members as well as students.
Drew Watson ’17, a former member of the Green House, commented on the progress he has seen since his first experience at Folk Fest. “The biggest thing is now it’s a super family-friendly event,” Watson claimed as he helped a woman with her vending stand. “That’s kind of been the goal, to get it more into the community as oppose to just a student event.”
The woman running the stand, Ann Bennett, owner of Bittersweet Farm, says the festival is something locals look forward to and is a place for friends to catch up after a long winter. “Friends that we don’t see all winter long say, ‘Oh yes we’re planning to be at folk fest. You’re gonna be there right?’” she said. “Yeah, people wait the whole year to come and do this and that. It’s awesome,” adds Watson again.
Although the locals certainly had a time, there was no lack of enjoyment for the students. Young laurentians had a great time connecting with locals from all around the North Country. Henry Hanson ’22 commented during the festivities that “it’s a wonderful experience. Really makes me feel like a local.”
Folk Fest can also appeal to students who would prefer a lowkey afternoon listening to music as opposed to hundreds of students jumping around at an event like Springfest. Peter Maslan ’22 said Folk Fest allows him to listen to live music and relax instead of being crushed in a huge crowd. “It’s a great alternative to events like Springfest. I can walk around and enjoy good music in a much more lowkey setting,” Maslan claims.
Emma Wood would also like to extend her thanks on behalf of all who attended the 8th Annual North Country Folk Festival to a few individuals who helped behind the scenes. “We would like to give a huge shout out to Mark our sound guy, Christian from dining services, and JR for coordinating lots of paperwork—Thank you all!”