Kutztown Folk Festival moving online
With Berks County still under a state-mandated COVID-19 shutdown, organizers of the annual Kutztown Folk Festival have decided to make this year’s version a virtual one.
“While it pains us to cancel our in-person events, the need to follow governmental guidelines and ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors, participants and the entire community is our greatest concern,” said Steve Sharadin, festival director.
The festival, which is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in the U.S., is scheduled to take place June 26 through July 4.
In the weeks leading up to the event, festival organizers will focus on virtual engagement, including moving its nationally recognized quilt auction online. Other popular aspects
of the fair and the sale of limited edition apparel also will be available online.
Video updates from many of the festival’s craftsmen, entertainers and long-time participants will be posted on social media throughout the week, along with archived videos, photos and stories from prior years.
“Although we are already
moving forward to make 2021 the best festival yet, we’re excited to offer online and virtual activities this year,” Sharadin said. “It’s the next best thing to being there.”
For more information about this year’s online festivities, ticket refunds and next year’s event, visit the festival’s website at www. KutztownFestival.com.