Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 31st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival! We are pleased to present you once again with an entertaining sample of the diverse traditional music, crafts, and foods found in our great state. Each year, we have a special focus on a particular ethnic or cultural group. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Norway's independence from Sweden, our theme for 2005 is Norwegian-American Traditions.
As you stroll the festival grounds, you will see that several of our heritage demonstrators are hard to miss. We are excited to be hosting the Ostvik Viking Encampmentreenactors and a Viking ship replica in conjunction with our Norwegian-American theme. If you're looking for something a bit gentler, check out the demonstrations of Hardanger embroidery and Rosemaling decorative painting. When you're ready to move your feet, head for the music stages where Scandinavian Delight will be playing dance tunes on the tuba and bell accordion.
But there's more to the festival than the heritage theme. From Final Message singing acapella Gospel, to the Sugar Sand Ramblers playing traditional music of the Pine Barrens, a kaleidoscope of sounds will fill the field.
We are thrilled to be honoring Joe Glazer with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Early in the afternoon, go by the Skylands Stage, where Mr. Glazer will be recognized for his commitment of over fifty years to singing and collecting songs of labor and protest. Don't miss his performances, which will give you a sample of the remarkable talent we are acknowledging.
As always, we have many stimulating activities for our younger patrons over at the Children's Tent. If you're more interesting in buying crafts than making your own, be sure to scope out some of the great finds available in our Craft Marketplace. After all that hard work, our food vendors will be ready to serve you some delicious treats, whether you're craving a hot dog or something a bit more exotic.
In short, may you enjoy all that the festival has to offer! Thank you for coming and be sure to join us again next year.
Sincerely,
Rosangela Briscese
Festival Manager 2005