Nothing screams fall like the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, which took over campus on Oct. 26.
The fourth Saturday of October brings generations of families inside and outside of the Village to experience events like the coon dog water race across Adams Lake, the draft horse pulls, the mule jump, and all the music and traditional food served.
Now in it’s 51st year, the festival continued to attract students, locals, and out-of-towners.
“I believe we had more than 10,000 people attend,” Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum Bethany Worley said.
Last year’s 50th anniversary brought the biggest crowd to campus in the first half-century of the festival.
Worley hopes to carry on the tradition and attendance for the next half century to follow.
“Our anniversary was larger since we had additional musicians and activities,” she said. “Each year is really special since we never know what musicians, craftspeople, or other folks who have been with us for decades showcasing our traditions will still be with us. We are also grateful that the participants share their skills and talent with everyone, year after year.”
Worley also said people loved the experience this year.
“Their enthusiasm and appreciation of the day makes all the work worth it,” she said.
The Folklife Festival is the largest regional festival of its kind in Virginia, sharing traditions that have been part of families in the community for generations.
Betty Scruggs was a member of the college’s 1960 graduating class and has been a yearly attendee of the Folklife Festival for 20 years.
“I love the way they preserve the history, and I especially enjoyed the moonshiners and horse pulls,” Scruggs said. “A lot of the reason I go back is to relive the days at Ferrum.”
Jessica Phillips of Martinsville was another attendee.
“This year was especially nice. There was less traffic, very pretty day, and a lovely layout. I really enjoy coming each year,” Phillips said.
With newcomers and familiar faces joining the tradition each year, Worley thinks this is the type of event that brings a small town together.
“It’s a real gem for Ferrum to have the largest folklife museum in the state and one of the few folklife museums in the country,” Worley said. “Added to that (are) the many festivals and events we do. Since our founding in 1973, our local community has come together to support the BRIM in so many ways. We wouldn’t be here without them.”
To set up an event for more than 10,000 people is challenging, but for Worley, seeing the results of the hard work show in a positive way is her favorite part each year.
“(It’s rewarding to see) everyone working together to bring the festival to fruition, year after year, and to see all of the participants having a wonderful immersive experience,” Worley said.
