Florida Folk Festival: 2015 - Views from the Inside as Volunteer Event Staff

April 2015 rolled around and we knew it was time to head for the Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park in White Springs Florida.  Time to volunteer with the park's Event Staff for the 63rd Florida Folk Festival.  The festival started in 1952 and has a long history being the only state folk/heritage festival that has never missed a year!

Now, you may have read my 2014 blog about the Florida Folk Festival but don't discount this post as no two years are the same.  Since we perform what ever jobs need attention each year is different; however there is some duplication such as working with vendors and being a presence in the campground.

The campground before the festival started

So, what was different this year?  
So glad you asked...Jobs included...

North Gate, normally closed
and open for big events

• All hands on deck or building dance floors

  

  The Heritage & Dance Stage in progress

  
  
• Role call or inventory of banners, signs, fans, stools, chairs, and more

  

  Computers can be useful!

• Safety first or cleaning and checking the beach wheel chairs
  

  

  Slipjig & Marg
  Relaxing at our early May campsite
  near the old shop for a short walk to work!

• More safety or ATV and golf cart training
  ... yes we know but a regulation is a regulation

  

  Driving the Kuboto was fun
  but the Museum golf cart is the BEST

PR or distributing posters, rack cards, and flyers throughout north Florida

One of my favorite posters

• Keeping the stages organized or Marg duplicated schedules and
   compiled books for the Stage Managers, EmCees, Sound Techs, Loggers

Set Change on the Amphitheater Stage

• Happy patrons are shaded and dry or Bill monitored performance tent set-up
  

  

  Campground on the final day...
  

  But this was not under Bill's direction!

• Everyone likes to hear the show or Bill provided Sound Support on the Folklife Stage
  

  

  Folklife Stage being constructed
  Later Bill will manage the sound here
The Folklife Stage and Folklife Area share Florida's traditional culture.  It is an area that relates history and explains our heritage.  Each year a different area or culture is in the spotlight, in 2015 the focus was on St. Johns County.  In 2016 it will be Miami-Dade.

• Avoid heat stroke or Marg co-chaired the Participant Hospitality area
  

  

  Safety first... not like this butterfly
  that didn't survive the storm 

• Entertaining the troupes or hosting a weekly Song Swap

  

  Thank you Ranger Kim
  for this flyer - it worked!

  
  
• Clean it up... the grounds

  

  Ranger Stephanie getting into the act

And some jobs are routine these days...

• Adding some bling or working with craft vendors and food vendors 
• Phone contact and recruitment prior to the festival
• Check-in and set-up
• Assistance during the festival

Kid-powered crushed ice
Vendor Bill recruited from the
High Springs Pioneer Days

• Staying nourished is important or we helped cook the Volunteer Breakfast
  and of course stayed to enjoy the wonderful food
  Thank you to Carolyn Pardue for organizing this.

Banded black snake
Slithering through the campground
before the crowds arrived

Peacock Springs: Experiencing the watery caves...

Continuing our Saturday adventure, from Troy Springs State Park, we drove to Mayo and then took Hwy 51 towards Live Oak.  On Hwy 51 we passed the sign for Peacock Springs and knew we had to explore.  Down the side road we went for several miles to the park entrance.

Interesting history... the springs were named
for Doc Peacock who homestead the area.
He had an active medical practice, raised 10 children, farmed the land
and managed to enjoy the springs.

The official name of the park is Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park, it is named after Dr. Peacock who purchased the property in the 1875.  Dr. Peacock was not only a medical doctor but a cattle rancher, farmer, and part-time pastor.  The springs that he found on the property furnished the town of Luraville with water around 1900.  

Orange Grove Springs & Picnic area
Dr. Peacock's home was near this area

Citizens of Florida are fortunate that The Nature Conservancy purchased the land to protect the stand of Florida maple found in its hardwood forest.  As with most Nature Conservancy land, it was sold to a public agency permanent management. The State of Florida acquired the land and opened Peacock Springs State Park to the public in 1993.

Maples along the nature trail

The park was later renamed to honor Wes Skiles, the late world-class explorer, diver, cinematographer and photographer.  Wes was a champion for Florida springs he...was an explorer who opened new worlds to us. He was a champion of Florida's freshwater springs. He was a dreamer who dared to dream that our springs could be saved and restored to their former glory. (http://www.karstproductions.com/)

Wes Skiles: 1958-2010
http://www.karstproductions.com/

I am always sharing wonderful facts about Florida and here is another, Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park features one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States.  Just a quick glance at the following cave map lets you know it is huge.

Cave map which
greets you at the start of the nature trail

The lengthy watery trail with 33,000 feet of surveyed underwater passages attracts cave divers from all corners of the world.  As you can imagine, there are specific requirements for the cave divers to insure safety for everyone.

Trees grow just above the caves
as we wind along the nature trail

If diving is not your hobby you can still experience the caves from above by taking the 1.2 mile nature trail.  Not being a diver I found the trail fascinating with frequent kiosks explaining the cave system and rooms just below our footsteps.

One of the openings to the cave rooms below

At several locations we were able to glimpse into the water caves and imagine life below.  There are at least two areas where the earth above the cave has dropped and looks a bit like a sink hole.  However, the 'sink holes' are filled with beautiful topaz blue water that can only reflect the beauty of the cave room below.

A huge tree that stands atop
the massive cave system
Nature is truly amazing

Troy Springs: A refreshing park for a hot Florida afternoon

Upon leaving the Catfish Festival in Branford (Florida of course) we headed west to check Troy Springs State Park.

Troy Springs is a day-use park that is a 72 degree swimming hole that some locals use to cool off during the warmer months. It is the perfect place to bring the family for an old fashioned swimming hole party.  The day of our visit there were several groups enjoying the park.

Being a 70-foot deep, first magnitude spring it is a draw for divers who are open dive qualified.  The springs are filled with turtles and fish which made me wish for my snorkel, mask, and fins.  However, the water temperature would have made it a quick exploration.  I'll leave this spring to those who enjoy snorkeling in cool water.

Troy Springs is a beautiful
blue-green swimming hole

Nestled in the shallow water of the spring run are the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison.  The Madison was originally used to transport mail and crops up and down the Suwannee.  However, in 1861 it was probably used by the Confederates as a privateer.  Then it was scuttled in 1863 to keep it from being captured by the Northern Navy.  Some speculate the owner/captain James M. Tucker had plans to re-float the boat after the war but by then the boat had been damaged by raiders.

Looking over the spring bluff
to the Suwannee River

 There are a few nature trails at the park but the jewels are the springs and views of the Suwanee River.  So, after walking the grounds and strolling the short nature trail we opted to enjoy the cool air that 'refrigerates' the spring area.

Expressive cypress roots line
the banks of the springs

Branford's First Annual Catfish Festival

Well, this time we had the correct weekend for Branford's First Annual Catfish Festival and it was worth living in Suwannee River Time to attend! 

This more or less says it all!

If you didn't read the post Suwannee River Time I'll summarize.  It seems the previous weekend we kept trying to attend events that had not yet happened, had already occurred, or really were on the relaxed Suwannee River Time.  Anyway, we were a week early for the Catfish Festival.

We parked several blocks from the
Branford Shrine Club grounds
and walked the green way to the festival

The parking was full when we arrived around 1 PM and we had to park several blocks from the event.  It turns out we parked across from the Watermelon packing house which is quite interesting to view.  

The green way borders a
watermelon packing warehouse
and this Saturday it was in full operation

Watermelons fresh from the field

And yes we were living on Suwannee River Time Saturday as we arrived long after the 9 AM start; however, there was ample time until the 6 PM close.  

Festival attendees visiting and
awaiting the music

We spent the better part of the day at the Catfish Festival touring the vendors.  The display hosted by North Branford High School Interact Club was quite interesting.  I was fascinated as the students explained the Shelter Box project and their goal of raising funds to purchase one by the end of next year.

A jeep 'train' ride for the kids
plenty of vendors for the adults

By now it was time to decide on lunch... Was it to be catfish, barbecue, or smoked chicken?  Yes, the catfish won this time. After all, it was the Catfish Festival!

Bluegrass style band

The band was not only talented but had a great patter.  One band member I knew from a different band that plays around Jacksonville. The singer even treated us to a great version of 'Crazy' where she belted it out like Patsy Cline.  So yes we did enjoy the music.

An old acquaintance from Green Cove
selling wonderful watermelon

Another surprise was running into people we knew from other events and festivals.  It is amazing how often paths cross.  

As always,
THANK YOU to the trash keepers

It was a beautiful day for the festival and a great day at the festival.  Hope to attend next year!

And it was a beautiful celebration

Wednesday Song Swaps at the Open Air Barn

There are advantages in volunteering at the Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park, one being music and the ease of starting a weekly Song Swap.  During April and May volunteered for the park helping with the Florida Folk Festival.  This is a music park so why not propose a weekly song swap for the campers?  Hold it in the Craft Village and we are certain to attract a few visitors.  Well, the rangers agreed and so it happened for five consecutive weeks.

The Open Barn
a perfect location for a Song Swap

Ranger Kim created a couple of colored flyers which I posted in central locations with the hopes of gathering people for songs and stories.  We usually had a nice gathering of people due to the efforts of he front gate ranger and gift shop staff who graciously reminded visitors of the weekly song swap.
Here's a brief summary...
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Song Swap at the Craft Barn
April 22, 2015
4:00 PM- 5:30 PM

On Wednesday April 22nd, seventeen individuals joined the Song Swap as active participants: thirteen audience members and four musicians.  This was the first of the Spring Series of weekly Song Swaps at the Craft Barn.  

Lovely Lucinda
Excellent song writer
Magnificent voice

With a light breeze blowing we gathered under the open air barn. The audience was engaged from the start, joining in on the chorus, commenting on the lyrics and meanings, and even suggesting a few tunes.  In folk music, it is important to share the story behind the song and the musicians were happy to provide the background and source of each song.  It was fascinating to learn the history behind their version of the song.  The tunes included many songs about Florida (mostly originals), Stephen Foster songs, country selections, and traditional folk selections.  

Home of the
Wednesday Song Swap!

Everyone had a travel story from how we arrived at the park to experiences at other Florida State Parks.  There was much discussion of nature, wildlife, and north Florida history.  Many thanks to all who shared in this rich afternoon in the Craft Square.

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Song Swap at the Craft Barn
April 29, 2015
4:00 PM- 6:00 PM

Well, it was bound to happen, our little song swap ran over... on Wednesday April 29th we just couldn't stop trading interesting songs, many about White Springs, Suwannee River, and history of the area.  Needless to say this prompted discussion about the festival and the "Hippie Invasion" of the early 1970s Florida Folk Festivals.  

Brown a park employee
with his mandolin
Brownie loves the blues!

The weather was less than perfect until 2:30 PM so we were not surprised when the crowd was slight for our second song swap.  There were 12 of us... five appreciators, 4 musicians, and 3 furry friends.  The couple with the furry friends did not stay long due to a previously scheduled engagement in Lake City.  They regretted having made the appointment but it was simply too late to cancel at this point.  
The remaining audience was from Key Largo and White Springs.  Our southern most guests were camping with us for the first time.  They were thrilled with the park, had never attended the Florida Folk Festival but intend to return for the event. 

Interested campers from
Key Largo

It was another good afternoon where we shared our knowledge of the area and all learned more about the park, White Springs, and Florida. Thanks to all who shared in this rich afternoon in the Craft Square.

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Song Swap at the Craft Barn
May 6, 2015
4:00 PM- 6:00 PM

This week nature provided a lovely day with birds lilting as we settled in for the May 6th Song Swap. As you know you can never repeat an experience exactly so why try?  This week we had a group of six: a couple from Tavares, a couple from Madison, and musicians Bill and Marg.  With fewer musicians, the audience were party to a private performance by Marg & Bill. 

Marg & Bill
(Promo Picture by Gail Carson)

It was a special group as all three women were born and raised in Florida, the women hailed from Miami, Madison, and St. Augustine.  So, we did have stories to swap!  The men migrated from New Jersey, West Virginia, and Kentucky at various ages and all had lived in the Ft. Lauderdale and Melbourne.  Again, more common ground for sharing experiences.

Marg with her banjo
(at the Old-Time Championships)

As said earlier, the song swap took the form of a intimate performance with much discussion of history, Florida, tunes, banjos, and musical styles.  Bill shared songs from many of our favorite Florida artists while Marg concentrated on her originals and traditional old-time tunes.  The time passed quickly and before we knew it 5:30 had come and gone; luckily, our stomachs reminded us to stop for dinner.  Hopefully the guests will return for the Florida Folk Festival at the end of the month.

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Song Swap at the Craft Barn
May 13, 2015
4:00 PM- 6:00 PM

Each Wednesday the song swap is a new experience.  When we arrived this week there was a wood-worker wrapping up his time at the barn.  Terry recently arrived at the park and this was the first week we shared the space.  So, as we set-up for the program, Terry was packing up.  Mid-May is not a busy time in the park so it is easy to share space at the barn.  Anyway, Terry hung out for some time listening to our tunes and departed just as Liz and Mike, a couple of campers from Maryland arrived. 

Liz enjoys the
music and bug repel demonstration

John carried what appeared to be a thin straw broom which he skillfully used to fend off all bugs.  It was quite interesting and almost stole the show!

Mike demonstrates
pesticide-free bug deterrent

We had noticed Jo walking to the gift shop with boxes and not to our song swap as anticipated.  We met Jo the previous week at the Live Oak Farmer's Market and invited her to join our circle with her guitar.   

Jo the budding guitarist
from Live Oak

Jo learning the guitar and this was her first song circle.  I recall those days, I was petrified and so hesitant to play in front of other... these days I wonder where that novice went!  Back to Jo, she was a welcome addition to the group with interesting tunes and the promise to master a few more by next week.  A bit later Jim, Jo's husband, arrived to listen and offer support.  

Jim who is a big supporter
of Jo's guitar skills

Yes, it was another good afternoon with stories of Florida and Maryland, travel tales, and laughter.  

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We will be leaving the park the last week of May so our participation will take a vacation until we return in November - December.  Expect additional Song Swap news then.