Upon entering Frostburg
State University’s upper quad for Appalachian Festival events, one would first
notice the sound of music, then the sight of tents, and last but most certainly
not least, the scent of festival food. Aramark’s food station was the first
stop I made. I recognized the faces of students and co-workers there talking
amongst themselves and to the customers. The station sold chili, bread bowls,
and hot chocolate. I had heard many good things about the festival, but never
really understood its purpose so, I asked Pamela Delgadillo to clarify it for
me.
“The purpose of this
festival is to listen to folk music,” she said, “You can quote me on that, son.”
She also said the purpose of the station was to feed the hungry people. I
thought she was pretty funny. Her co-worker, Nicole Nagel, told me about some
of the interesting things being sold at the event. She mentioned jewelry,
clothes, and stated, “Oh my gosh! There’s cool looking walking sticks!” The
women seemed to be enjoying themselves, but to make sure, I asked if they were
having fun. They all said yes, but a random low voice in the background said no…
The next station I
visited was the Apple Butter station, Sam Beachy and Sons. There were three
women working at the station and one man. The eldest woman informed me that
they usually teach people how to make the apple butter, but the weather wasn’t
looking too nice for the outdoor activity. Besides the already made apple
butter, they also sold homemade bread, and cinnamon rolls.
Jearbryo’s Hookers and
Seafood Grill was the last food station I visited. They sold the popular
festival foods such as, Italian sausages and pulled pork. But most of the food
they sold was seafood. Rachelle, one of the Grill’s employees, stated, “Even
though the sun isn’t shining, I’m having fun.” I also met a student at the
station by the name of Ms. Jasmine Chance. “I love the festival because the
Amish are here,” she said, “And they have the BEST baked goods.”
About 30 ft. away was a
table with Appalachian Festival shirts on it. The woman in charge of this
station informed me that the shirts they were selling were not only from this
year, but the past Appalachian festivals as well. The sizes ranged from small
to 2 XL and they had youth sizes. The older festival shirts were less expansive,
and on the back of the shirts was a list of the bands that will perform.
Beneath one
of the largest tents in the festival’s area, set a number of vendors
eagerly awaiting the arrival of curious customers (I would have been in serious
trouble if I brought my wallet). There was one young woman in particular who I
found to be very interesting. Her name is Avalon Folmsbee, and she caught my
eye with her Steam Punk and skull jewelry. She has her own studio in her home,
and entered the world of art through her mother, who has been in the business
for 25 years. Avalon has been an artist for a little over 10 years, and is very
passionate about her work.
The music
and the diversity amongst the food and people made for the Appalachian Festival
to be a huge success. Although the storm brought the fun to an early end, I enjoyed meeting and learning about the people and their
passions. It was a pleasant experience that I suggest everyone have at some
point while in Frostburg, Maryland.
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