This past weekend on Saturday the city of Ferdinand celebrated its 7th Annual Folk Festival. The festival is organized by a volunteer committee consisting of local community members. The Fest marked the creative spirit the town of Ferdinand is so increasingly becoming known for. The rain made a brief appearance but did not detour festival goers from experience all the great music, food and vendors. Of the multiple children activities offered this year at the Fest the musical jam session and the children’s theater were great successes. Rock Emmert orchestrated some stellar teamwork in the children’s production of Ferdinand the Bull. Also on hand at the festival was Washington D.C. artist Lisa Thalhammer. Thalhammer is set to paint a community mural on a wall located on the 1400 block of Main Street in Ferdinand. The future mural will be homage to the story of Saint Ferdinand and styled after the children’s book Ferdinand the Bull. Rock Emmert expands on what the mural means for the community.
Festival guest were treated to a daylong musical happening. Among the acts that preformed hometown native Bethany Boeglin was on hand to give 18 WJTS some inspiring words.
Great music wasn’t the only mind inspiring item on the schedule. There was wide variety of vendors showcasing their handmade crafts and homemade foods. Non for profit informational vendors were also available and handing out free educational material regarding the local environment and community. The Patoka River Wildlife Refuge had a display of indigenous ducks along with the Evansville Astrological Society that handed out schedules of night time viewings. The Ferdinand Library was handing out free aged library books and informational packets. As the day slowed down and dusk approached, vendors began to pack up shop and head home. While the shopping dwindled the crowd in front of the main stage was in full celebration. The Fest came to an end with the Rich Robinson Band Putting on a great display of musical talent. The Ferdinand Folk Fest is funded wholly by donations and is a free event to the public. Visit their website for more information www.ferdinandfolkfestival.com
