Folk Festival going strong at 64 years

             (EUREKA SPRINGS, AR) – The country’s longest continuously running folk festival returns for its 64th anniversary Nov. 2-5, and will include competitions and art shows as well as lots and lots of good music.

             The Queens Contest takes place Wednesday night at the Auditorium, with young women exhibiting both beauty and talent to become Folk Festival Queen. First prize is a $500 scholarship donated by Eureka Springs Rotary Club. The Hogeye Ramblers will provide entertainment.

             Friday night, Nov. 4, is the Barefoot Ball, with music by the Hogscalders and Big Smith. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

            Two art and crafts shows add to the festivities this year, with the traditional Art Show and Folk Crafts Demonstration set for all day in Basin Park, and a new Arts and Crafts Fair at Pine Mountain Village Saturday, Nov.5, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

            Also in Basin Park Saturday afternoon, the Songwriters’ Contest from noon to 2 p.m. Members of Still On the Hill and 3 Penny Acre will serve as judges. First prize award is $300, 2 tickets to the evening Aud show and the opening slot at next year’s show; second prize winners take home $150 and two tickets to the Aud show; third prize is $100 and two tickets.

            At 2 p.m. Saturday the Folk Festival Parade rolls downtown. This year’s theme is “Eureka through the Years,” and contestants are urged to choose their favorite era in Eureka Springs to use as a theme for decoration. Awards this year include Best Float, $400 first prize, and $200 second prize; Best Costume, $100; Best Walking Group (4 or more people), $150; Best School entry, $250; and Best Musical entry, $200. Still On the Hill and 3 Penny Acre will perform at the band shell in Basin Spring Park before and after the parade.

            The Auditorium show kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17.50 at the door, and will feature the winner of last year’s Songwriters’ Contest, Nick Rorick, followed by 3 Penny Acre and special guests Still On the Hill. The evening concludes with headliner, Split Lip Rayfield, a Wichita, KS band described as “bluegrass, alt-country or cow-punk,” and are credited with helping to launch the thrash-grass sound.