The Kutztown Folk Festival is proud to announce its continued support of the Dutch Hex Tour Association. Established in 1963 the association has used the areas hex signs and barn stars, one of the most recognizable symbols of the Pennsylvania Dutch country, as a means to bring tourism to northern Berks and Lehigh counties.
Key to the association’s success is the self guided hex sign tour brochure, and the members that advertise in it. “The uniqueness of the membership, the real Pennsylvania Dutch character to be found in local business and individuals is what has made the Association successful for over 38 years”, according to Hex Tour director Steve Sharadin.
In 2001 in an effort to combat the dwindling number of visible barn stars, and preserve the iconic regional motifs, the Dutch Hex Tour in association with other non-profit organizations formed the Barn Star Endowment Fund. With funding coming from the proceeds of the Hex Tour Associations promotional efforts, the Barn Star fund assists barn owners in repainting and preserving the areas hex signs and barn stars.
For several years, quietly behind the scenes the Kutztown Folk Festival along with the Hex Tour’s Board of Directors has been proudly handling the organizations day to day administrative duties as well as maintaining the brochure membership. With printing costs rising and the Hex Tours primary brochure sponsor no longer being able to continue with the same support, the Kutztown Folk Festival proudly announced that it would sponsor the 2011 Hex Tour Brochure. “For 61 years visitors have come to the festival to experience the regions Pennsylvania Dutch culture and all that it offers, partnering with the Hex Tour and supporting their mission is something the festival is proud to do”, stated Festival Executive Director Dave Fooks.
For additional information on the Dutch Hex Tour Association call 610-683-1597 or visit their website at www.hexsigns.org. For additional information on the Kutztown Folk Festival, call 610-683-1597 or visit their website at www.kutztownfestival.com.