After two years of not having a face to face program, the Florida Park Service of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection celebrated the 70th Annual Florida Folk Festival, the nation's oldest state-sponsored Folk Festival at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park over Memorial Day weekend in White Springs. I will skip around a bit, as I include the names of some folks in the present and some from the past who have helped perpetuate the proud cultural heritage of Florida celebrated annually at this nationally renowned festival.
Let's start with Suwannee County. Noteworthy Suwannee Countians who played a key role in the establishment of the Stephen Foster Memorial, as the park was known originally and its many special events, included the late Honorable Clayton Bass, who was Suwannee County's elected Senator and co-sponsored the legislation making Stephen Foster's "Old Folks at Home" the state song of Florida in 1935. Also serving on the original Stephen Foster Memorial Commission, were the late J.L. McMullen, the late Aubrey Fowler, the Honorable Cary Hardee and the late Helen Bixler. Among current Suwannee Countians who are key to the ongoing success of the Festival, include Live Oak's Danny Hales, Sheila Hiss, Joe and Chris Flanagan, as well as Lloyd Baldwin, a singer and folk musician from Branford.
From Hamilton County, hats off to Merri McKenzie, who was honored in an elite coterie of honorees at a Sponsor's Reception in the historic Foster Museum on Friday, May 27, when she was named a Legend and Legacy member of the Florida Folk Festival. Merri, along with her husband of 30 years, Walter McKenzie, reside in White Springs and have been actively involved of all aspects of the Florida Folk Festival and its ancillary purposes. Congratulations, Merri. We are so proud of you.
Some ladies who were pillars of the Folk Festival include the late W.A. “Lillian” Saunders, the late "Cousin" Thelma Boltin, the late "Aunt" Nancy Morgan, the late Ruby Shaw and the late Marie Norris, all of White Springs. Hamilton County Folk performers still prominent in The Florida Folk Heritage community are Bullard Brothers and Friends. Making history as the first African American to serve as President of the Stephen Foster Citizens Support Organization is Shauna Adams, of White Springs
Many thanks to the Florida Park Service, especially Elaine McGrath, Festival Coordinator and the Stephen Foster Citizens Support Organization, along with all the many volunteers who make the Florida Folk Festival a true jewel in the crown of the Sunshine State's cultural heritage. Before closing, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the support of area law enforcement and first responders.
We look forward to the 71st Annual Florida Folk Festival Memorial Day weekend 2022 "Way down upon the Suwannee River" at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. From the Eight Mile Still on the Woodpecker Route north of White Springs, wishing you a good day.