2020 Kutztown Folk Festival Goes Online
KUTZTOWN, PA – (May 20, 2020) – Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and the related health concerns of its spread, this year's annual Kutztown Folk Festival will take place online.
"While it pains us to cancel our in-person events, the need to follow governmental guidelines and ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors, participants, and the entire community is our greatest concern," said Steve Sharadin, Festival Director.
This year’s online activities and tributes, presented by GIANT grocery stores, will continue through July 6th, with live online bidding concluding with the Festival’s Nationally Recognized Quilt Auction at 6:30pm.
Weeks leading up to and including June 27 - July 6, 2020, will see the Festival focus on virtual engagement as video updates from many of the Festival's colorful craftsmen, entertainers, and long-time participants will be posted on social media throughout the week, as well as archived videos, photos, and stories from prior years.
The Festival will also offer limited-edition 2020 themed apparel as well as its ever-popular quilt raffle.
The 2021 Kutztown Folk Festival is scheduled for June 26 – July 4, 2021.
"Although we are already moving forward to make 2021 the best Festival yet, we're excited to offer online and virtual activities this year. It's the next best thing to being there," said Sharadin.
About the Kutztown Folk Festival
The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America. Held in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, the nine-day Festival draws visitors from all over the world, entertaining families while providing insight and understanding of the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life. The Kutztown Folk Festival features authentic folklife demonstrations; a wide variety of Pennsylvania Dutch food; over 200 nationally recognized, juried folk artists and traditional American artisans; over 2,500 locally handmade quilts on display and for sale; antiques and collectibles; six stages of entertainment; music and dancing; and a wide range of children's activities.
In March, the Kutztown Folk Festival was named one of the top three cultural festivals in the country by the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards. The Festival was selected as third in competition to 20 nationwide cultural festivals and placed as a finalist beside the likes of the Water Lantern Festival and the Carnaval of Quebec. This unusual nine-day Festival has been featured twice in National Geographic and touted as "one of the most unique festivals on the East coast" by the Washington Post.