Family Vacations
America 's First Folklife Festival Still Sets The Standard

(NAPS)-The past is always present at what is considered by many to be America 's premier folklife festival.

For the last 58 years, a festival that has celebrated everything that's Pennsylvania Dutch has been celebrated in Kutztown , PA -and this year's Kutztown Festival continues the tradition.

A family-friendly showcase of food, crafts and living history, the Festival also offers one-of-a-kind quilts and fine arts that appeal to serious collectors.

Located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the festival is just a short trip by car or bus from New York City , Philadelphia , Baltimore and other parts of the Northeastern United States . However, its reputation has made it a destination for families and fans of folk art and crafts from the world over.

This year's event demonstrates just how far the Festival has come from the modest original event that began in 1950.

This year's Festival-designated one of the top 100 events in the country by the American Bus Association-will gather together 200 of America's finest traditional craftsmen from June 28 th thru July 6 th , 2008.

Demonstrations will run the gamut from farming and gardening to churches and weddings. Other exhibits will focus on Pennsylvania-Dutch dialect and folklore, spinning and weaving, country cooks, blacksmiths, furniture, candles, and more.

The Quilt Barn will display 1,400 locally handmade quilts and wall hangings on display and for sale during the entire festival. In addition to quilting demonstrations, quilt lovers are expected to come from around the world to attend the auction of 24 prize-winning quilts, which will be held the second Saturday of the Festival.

The Festival is also known for its great food, much of it prepared in the Pennsylvania Dutch fashion. Visitors can watch an ox roasting on the spit before enjoying an ox roast platter or sandwich.

There's also an all-you-can-eat family style supper served each day-with potpie and shoo-fly pie-along with country chicken dinners, strawberry shortcake, funnel cakes and ice cream.

Or, visitors can buy a loaf of bread as it comes out of an 18 th century oven or stop at a farmer's market where they can purchase sausages, cheeses and baked goods.

For the children there are special rates and special events such as the Children's Farmyard Theater, a horse-drawn carousel and a petting zoo. The Festival features special programs for seniors as well.

This year's event will have an expanded selection of acts on the Festival's concert stage.

To learn more about the festival or accommodations in the area visit www.kutztownfestival.com or call 1-888-674-6136.