Kutztown Folk Festival Adds New Attractions for 2017

Celebrating its 68th year, the Kutztown Folk Festival showcases traditional Pennsylvania Dutch culture and continues to entice travelers from near and far with new events and features.  The Kutztown Folk Festival announces a variety of new attractions for visitors to enjoy, including historic folklife presentations, an authentic Tinsmith Shop, 19-piece German Brass Band and functional steam engine from 1910.

Step back in time at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center and the Mennonite Heritage Center, as historians provide presentations and classes on the lifestyles of Mennonites and early Pennsylvania Dutch residents in the Eastern Pennsylvania area. Guests can learn about the PA German art form, Fraktur, a style of lettering and folk art commonly seen on birth and marriage certificates between 1740-1860. Those interested can also try their hand at creating their own piece of art in the Festival’s schoolhouse.

Visitors interested in a more industrial experience can visit the 20,000-pound 1910 Case, Model-75 Steam Traction Engine, one of the largest portable steam engines built. Individuals can learn the history of this Industrial Revolution machine while watching it power antique Sonan Brothers agricultural equipment. Afterwards, head to theTinsmith’s Workshop for a hands-on experience with a true craftsman as he creates authentic mugs, coffee pots, lanterns and more from raw sheet tin material.

On July 8th, celebrate the folk festival with a bang of German music, performed by the 19-piece Shippensburg Blaskapelle German Brass Band. Feel the rhythm and dance to the beat as they play rolling beer-drinking songs, traditional melodies and lively polkas and waltzes that will have everyone on their feet!

Visitors will be able to enjoy returning events and activities including live entertainment, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods, and America’s Largest Quilt Sale featuring over 2,500 locally handmade quilts.