About the Festival
Jane and Hubert Saap, founders of the festival
The Black Belt Folk Roots Festival was first produced in 1975 in Eutaw, (Greene County) Alabama. This annual celebration pays tribute to those persons recognized as bearers of the folkways, traditions and culture of the West Alabama region.
Mary Hicks- Pine Needle Baskets
The local folk artists who participate in the Folk Roots Festival possess skills, talents and resources that are reflective of the culture and traditions of West Alabama. Such skills include quilting, basketweaving, chair-bottoming, dollmaking, woodcarving, mudpainting, and similar crafts. Old Timey Blues musicians, dancers, jug-blowers, storytellers and hambone-slappers are among the folk artists who share their heritage at Saturday’s celebration. Sunday’s festivities are reserved for sharing Old Timey Gospel music. Shape Note singing is among the rich traditions of this celebration.
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Homemade Ice Cream By Sarah Duncan
Foodways are also significant to these local traditions. The two-day celebration brings out the best in downhome cooking, including soulfood, barbeque, and homemade ice cream. The Festival features a children’s stage with activities for learning and fun, including African drumming and dance, storytelling, face painting and train rides. We were able to continue to celebrate our community and traditions even through the pandemic by providing a virtual outlet for our festival.There is something special for everyone at the Annual Black Belt Folk Roots Festival Sponsored by the Society of Folk Arts and Culture.
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