2012 International Festival Day
Celebrate World Cultures at International Festival Day on July 21
The Haywood County Arts Council announces International Festival Day on Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 10am until 5pm in historic downtown Waynesville. International Festival Day is the highlight of regional performances by international folk dancers and musicians from Folkmoot USA, North Carolina’s Official International Festival, which takes place in Western North Carolina from July 18-July 29, 2012.
On July 21th Waynesville’s Main Street will be transformed into a world bazaar where over one hundred artists, craftsmen, and international guests sell a wide range of art and craft. Art lovers can browse booths filled with handcrafted items and even catch a demonstration or two by artisans including flame workers, potters, and woodworkers. From Russian nesting dolls and Vietnamese embroidery to Seagrove pottery and traditional Appalachian baskets, feativalgoers will find treasures at every stop.
The international festivities also include food courts featuring a wide variety of choices including Gyros, Asian spring rolls, Crepes, Beignets, Caribbean Shawarmas, Fajitas, and—a North Carolina staple—pulled pork barbeque.
The Passport to the Arts children’s area, located in the United Community Bank parking lot, issues “passports” to children who “travel” to countries like Austria, Togo, Ecuador, and Japan where they create crafts unique to the country. Examples of crafts include rain sticks, abstract inkblots, fiesta Headdresses, finger knitting, origami, and more.
Festival entertainment will be provided by the Celtic Rock group Uncle Hamish and the Hooligans, Folkmoot USA’s international dancers and musicians, Appalachian dance and music, plus more. The lively cultural exchange takes place at staging areas near the old Courthouse and just beyond Town Hall at opposite ends of Main Street. Performers move along the street with impromptu performances throughout the day.
International Festival Day is a family event for all ages. Whether you’re an art lover aiming to browse booths of jewelry, paintings, photography, and woodwork; a child traveling the world at Passport to the Arts; or a family out to get a glimpse of Folkmoot USA’s dancers and musicians, you will experience one of the finest festivals in the southeast.
International Festival Day is funded in part by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority, 1-800-334-9036, www.VisitNCSmokies.com and by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources. For more information about International Festival Day and other arts events and programming, visit the Haywood County Arts Council web site at www.haywoodarts.org or call the Arts Council at 828-452-0593. For ticket information about Folkmoot USA performances in western North Carolina during July visit the web site at www.folkmootusa.org, call 828-452-2997 or call toll free 1-877-FOLK-USA.
