The Appalachian Festival

                                The Appalachian Festival

The Appalachian Festival is an event that occurs once a year that many locals and students look forward to at Frostburg State University. This year it just so happened to fall on the 200^th anniversary of Frostburg being founded. The festival was entertaining, interesting, and educational. Music sounded throughout the area as people enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The smell of food cooking filled the noses of all in the area. Crab cakes, soup, and homemade bread were among the many choices of food to eat. If one was not enjoying the food they were observing the many stations set up with different presentations. One table that caught they eye of many was a woman selling paintings made from makeup. The prices of the paintings for sale were reasonable and the artwork was far beyond beautiful. Also, people took a look back in time as a knitting wheel was used to make clothes for sale.

           

          Frostburg State University student Brooke Hughes spoke about a knitted scarf that she purchased at the festival. She said, “It’s nice to know that people still take the time to knit clothing. Everything is done in a factory nowadays’. Hughes not only was able to purchase a scarf but also watch the clothing item be made on an old knitting wheel.  It was difficult for people to not stop and observe this interesting machine as they passed by. The knitting wheel dates back to the 15^th century, and played a large role in the Industrial Revolution. This is a prime example of how much the world has progressed technological wise. Heather Bowen another fellow student at Frostburg State explained how this machine from the past relates to a love one. “My grandmother had a knitting machine just like this. Its funny how seeing one little thing can bring back so many good memories. I’m glad I made the time to stop by because seeing this just made my day”.

            Time flies by as visitors continue to enjoy themselves at the Festival. Children run around playfully as their parents prepare for their departure. People begin to pack their tables up and finish their last sales. The event overall was well organized and thought out. The hard work that went into planning the festival showed and is appreciated. Before leaving Brooke Hughes shared her opinion about her time spent at the Appalachian Festival. “I had a good time. It was cool to see the different crafts and how much time it took for these things to be made. I didn’t think I would ever find so much interest in how a scarf was made”. Miss Hughes thanks the woman who made the scarf for her and gathers her things to head home.      

            

           People came together and were able to have fun while learning about different topics. The weather could not have been any better and helped set the overall mood of the environment. Another year the Appalachian Festival is held at Frostburg State University, and continues to be an event that people enjoy attending.