This past weekend, we attended the Lowell Folk Festival.
The festival always has an amazing array of music ranging from gospel, bluegrass and polka, as well as Irish and Quebecois fiddlers. There are displays of art and crafts and a street designed just for kids to play in. There is also an abundance of food that includes Thai, Jamaican, and my personal favorite, Greek. There is tons of ice cream, lemonade and well placed beer and wine tents. It is an remarkable event in which people are cheerful, outgoing and enthusiastic.
Here are some of the highlights of the day:
The Steep Canyons Ranchers got the day going!
I thought this woman looked stunning with her colorful umbrella!
Dogs like to have fun here too!
Some even match their pets perfectly!
The volunteer staff is the heart and soul of the festival, which relies on donations, as it’s a FREE event!
Isn’t she just perfect?
This couple was enjoying an impromptu polka!
This gentleman was demonstrating the steel drums, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago.
We liked the Hotclub of Cowtown!
This family liked them too!
I loved all the colorful and eclectic outfits!
Body art was prominently displayed everywhere!
I also saw some interesting “do’s”!
Every year I go, I am impressed with the music, dance, art and food. Most of all I am amazed that tens of thousands of diverse people can come out and celebrate with their families and for one day, laugh and enjoy themselves without a care in the world. It captures the spirit of America, and in the very best of ways.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I had no idea Lowell had a folk festival. Will put it on my calendar to look for next year!!
.-= MidLifeMama´s last blog ..The Strength and Power Within =-.
I love festivals like that! Austin has no shortage of them.
Did you like the steel pan? We lived in Trinidad for three years. My Skater learned to play when he was there and had the honor of playing the National Anthems of both Trinidad and the US for the Marine Corps Ball one year. Yes, I brag sometimes!
He still has his pan and will break it during parties at his apartment complex.
.-= Dawn in Austin´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday… =-.
I loved the Steep Canyons Ranchers in suits! How classy.
It helps to remember that Our Fellow Americans are nice people who enjoy a free concert; more events of that sort might go a long way toward healing the political divide.
Favorite pics: Little girl on Daddy’s shoulders; umbrella lady; family dance. And what a lovely girl under that tattoo! I may never get over the feeling that there is something WRONG with a person’s skin when I first glimpse a tattoo. My head has to work on the notion that the skin is healthy and the person has chosen to mar it. Theoretically, I’m good with tats, but the aesthetics always shock me.
.-= Nance´s last blog ..Yurting All Over =-.
Wow that looks like a whole lot of fun. I know I would like it!
I love, love, love music festivals. And I do so love folk music. That little girl on her papa’s shoulders was scrumptious!
And coming from a week in Chicago where dancing in the park is celebrated, I love to see folks out there, just letting their dancing spirits and feet go free.
Meg, I promise, promise, promise, I’m emailing you tonight. Life has had me by the scruff of my neck and it’s been heaving me forward at the speed of lightning. But I have not forgotten you.
.-= joann mannix´s last blog ..I Might Just Have Killed A Spammer Accidentally Kind Of =-.
Festivals make me smile, too. I like to go by myself and wander, like you, with my camera at the ready. The music and the open air and the mix of kids and gray hair…. it’s a slice.
Thanks for sharing, Meg.
a/b
.-= Ashleigh Burroughs´s last blog ..Ranting and Raving =-.
Love the steel pans, Dawn! He was so interesting, he had every different kind and explained them
all and the unique sounds they make. Now I know why you like the warm weather – Trinidad! Oh
my that must have been fun!
MLM, they have music every Fri nite at the Boarding House Park. Those cost $ but they have an excellent
line-up. The folk festival is amazing.
I love, love, love street photos, random crowd shots and that little girl so lovely.
.-= linlah´s last blog ..how i’m lazy and you’re not =-.
Looks like a good time!
.-= Kate´s last blog ..The truth- the whole truth- and nothing but the truth =-.
Summer festivals are a kick.
.-= Audubon Ron´s last blog ..Anything but Usual =-.