Takoma Park hosts 47th annual Folk Festival

Takoma Park Folk Festival tents

Photo: Food tents in front of Takoma Park Middle School at the Takoma Park Folk Festival

Food tents in front of Takoma Park Middle School at the Takoma Park Folk Festival Photo courtesy of Kieran Whittaker.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, the community of Takoma Park held its 47th annual Takoma Park Folk Festival. The festival is, according to its official website, a celebration of the arts by and for the Takoma Park community. Hosted at Takoma Park Middle School, the festival featured a diverse group of local performers and bands across its seven stages. It also included a craft fair and tents representing a variety of local organizations. 

One Blair student, sophomore Penny Anderegg, described how the art and music showcases helped bring the community together. “Singing together, dancing together — that brings people closer. It's a good way for people to learn more about their community and bond with people they wouldn't normally see,” she explained. “I was mostly just coming because my friends told me about it, and they said it would be really fun…It's my first time here, and it's really cool to see local musicians and artists,” she said. 

Blair’s American Sign Language (ASL) program also provided ASL performances alongside musical acts as a way to make the event more accessible and give some of Blair’s talented ASL students a chance to refine their skills. Blair senior Wren Van Prooyen explained how they got the opportunity and what made them decide to take it. “[My teacher] brought it up at the beginning of the school year… I think it's really important that we get real-world experience signing and performing in front of other people, so I was very happy to take this opportunity,” they said. 

Van Prooyen also elaborated on how the ASL performances enriched the overall experience for festivalgoers. “Of course, everyone's there for the musical artists, so there were a lot of people watching them, but there were definitely a handful of people — especially parents and their younger kids — watching us and really getting excited to see us signing the songs,” they commented. “I feel very lucky to have been included in this event.” 

On the topic of community, Anderegg explains how her time at the festival helped her get more involved with her own community. “[There are] fairs and clubs that you can sign up for. I signed up for tutoring and for an animal rights activist group. I think it’s made me engage [with the community] because I've met new people and signed up for new things as part of the community,” she explained.

If you’re interested in getting involved with the Takoma Park Folk Festival, you can volunteer for them at next year’s Folk Fest or contact them through their website. We hope to see you there next year!