Photo: Facebook.com/appalachianfestival
The Appalachian Festival includes dancing, food, storytelling, crafts, live music and a living history "Mountain Village."
After taking two years off due to COVID, the Appalachian Festival is returning to Coney Island for its 51st iteration on May 7 and 8.
Guests can immerse themselves in the food, crafts and traditions of Appalachia with events ranging from live music and storytelling to a living history "Mountain Village."
Vendors will be selling everything from pottery and woodworking to jerky, jewelry and leather goods. Watch artisans demonstrate seat caning and weaving.
A special dance stage will be offering entertainment throughout the weekend, with cloggers and Highland dancers. Live music will take place on three stages with Bluegrass acts The Po' Ramblin' Boys, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Appalachian Grass and The Tillers headlining. A storytelling stage will feature poets, porch pickers and even an open mic.
For a taste of Appalachia, enjoy traditional eats including biscuits and gravy, country ham, Blue Ridge bangers, wooly-wooly potatoes, corn bread, fudge and even chocolate moonshine.
The special Mountain Village will take guests back to the 1800s and features re-enactors in period dress showcasing historic mountain life. Watch blacksmiths, spinners and soap-makers work and take part in a Native American dance with group All Nation Drum. This year will also feature basket and rope making, Native American hand drumming, beadwork and mountain distilling. On May 8, the village will also host a special Mountain Church Service at 10:30 a.m.
10 a.m.-9 p.m. May 7 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 8. $12; $6 seniors (55+); $3 children (6-11); free 5 and under. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, appalachianfestival.org.
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