The
Appalachian Festival, a musical, cultural, and historical festivity held on the
grounds of Frostburg State University. Never have a witnessed such a fine
collection of arts in one place, or experienced the sounds of different musical
groups playing all at once with a cohesive ring. It was astonishing.
I took a seat to watch Garrett Highlands Pipes and Drums. “It’s a hot day, got to get in the shade.” says one
man who sees me take shelter to watch the show, and he is indeed right. It was a
beautiful 75 degrees outside, with perfect sunny weather. The music of the bass drum hitting and reverberating around and
the sound of the bagpipes playing was something remarkable. These people really
knew what they were doing. The music they were creating filled the audience so
that some people, mostly children, got up and danced next to them.
There were smiles all around to fill anyone with joy, but one cannot sit still and see just one event. One gets anxious to
see the other attractions and find that there are plenty of things to do and
sights to see. Stands filled with jewels, foods, arts, and an assortment of
other trinkets. It is a paradise, a flea market, or better, a fair. I took my time
walking, sampling from different places, purchasing different edibles. One such
edible is from a fresh ice cold Apple Cider stand. It was cold, sweet, and
homemade. Never had I tasted something so delicious and would recommend it to anyone.
So many things around you and
seeing so many sights, it is a wonder someone does not get lost. It truly is a
remarkable festival. One student, from a different college says, “I like the
atmosphere of the area…” She is right to like it. The atmosphere is fun,
entertaining, and fresh. It’s natural air coming from the people that walk from stand to
stand, or from people selling their bits and bobbles.
Not only that atmosphere, but the
music as well. No matter where someone walks, music of all different sorts is
in ear shot, and it can certainly catch your ear. One certainly caught mine as
I walked and that was the Davis and Elkins Appalachian Dance Ensemble. With
only a guitar, a violin, and body rhythms they made beautiful, harmonic sounds.
Two instruments and a person dancing. It was truly amazing. I recommend seeing
a show by them, or just listening to the sounds of their music.
This whole event though, was a wonderful experience. It is like going to a street fair, however I
do warn, there were many bees and wasps roaming and plenty of sun. So bring a
hat, some water, and definitely some excitement because this is a party worth
going to. Take in the music, take in the
sights, and enjoy a fun time. This festival certainly shows the history of the
area, as well as the wonderful smiles of many a kind face.
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