County: Greene  |   Attraction Types: Arts & Culture

The Black Belt Folk Roots Festival is an annual celebration that pays tribute to those persons recognized as bearers of the folkways, traditions and culture of the West Alabama region.  The local folk artists who participate in the Folk Roots Festival possess skills, talents and resources that are reflective of the culture and tradions of West Alabama.  Such skills include quilting, basket-weaving, chair bottoming, doll making, woodcarving, mud painting, and similar crafts.

Old timey blues musicians, dancers, jug-blowers, storytellers and hambone-slappers are among the folk artists who share their heritage at Saturday’s celebration.

Sunday’s festivities are reserved for sharing old timey gospel music.  Shape Note singing is among the rich traditions of this celebration.

Foodways are also significant to these local traditions.  The two-day celebration brings out the best in down-home cooking, including soulfood, barbeque, and homemade ice cream.

The Festival features a children’s stage with activities for learning and fun, including African drumming and dance, storytelling, face painting, and train rides.

There is something special for everyone at the Annual  Black Belt Folk Roots Festival sponsored by the Society of Folk Arts and Culture.