Folkies Brave Weather For Takoma Park Folk Festival

Despite the rain, many faithful folksters came out to celebrate a diverse selection of music at this year's Takoma Park Folk Festival that was held Sunday at Takoma Park Middle School. The acts ranged from traditional to country to ethnic dancing and the food ranged from vegetarian fair to barbecue to Philly-style cheesesteaks. What started out 33 years ago with one stage and no vendors has been built up to seven stages and vendors selling food and crafts.

"The diversity of entertainment is amazing," said Scott Beamond, who came down from Baltimore County to hang out with his son, who lives in Takoma Park. "I've come down for the last three or four years and it is a great way to spend time with my family. Where else are you going to find this?"

And it's a safe place to bring the family, according to Takoma Park Police Chief Ronald Ricucci.

"We've never had any problem here," Ricucci said. "Our biggest job is controlling traffic and directing people to the bathroom."

But despite the diehard fans who come every year from across the country, the folk festival is losing money.

"The grants are going down and the field stage has no sponsor this year," said Casey Willson, an emcee at the Seventh Heaven stage. "Last year was the first year the festival lost money and with the economy the way it is and this weather, the turnout this year probably won't be great."

The slow economy was to blame for the lack of sponsorship and grants over the last few years, many of the festival volunteers said, but the festival has had problems in the past and always bounces back.

"We've had our ups and down," said Takoma Park Councilman Reuben Snipper (Ward 5). "The economy has been rough. But this is an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy each other, so it will be around."

And there are faithfuls who stick out the weather and the economy. Beamond said he enjoys the festival every year, despite the politicians who are out in full force campaigning along the stretch of grass bordering Piney Branch Road. District 20, County Council At-Large and even Gubernatorial candidates had booths set up with stickers, buttons and campaign material.

At the Seventh Heaven stage, which featured several country and folk acts, Janine Wilson, Mary Battiata and Karen Collins performed a set of Lucinda Williams covers as a tribute to the famous country artist.  The set shows off the diversity of the festival as straight-up country music rang out from the tent for about an hour. As their time on stage came to an end, Collins sang out a rendition of Williams's "Price to Pay." The first few lines rang true to the spirit of the festival.

"It weighs a lot, it costs a lot. And it's worth a whole lot more."