As most of you already know-the John C. Campbell Folk School plays a huge role in our lives. I consider myself very fortunate to live just down the road from the John C. Campbell Folk School.
The first time I remember being at the folk school, I was 6 years old. My class at school had planned a field trip to the folk school. My Mamaw, Marie Wilson, worked in the craft shop, instead of taking the bus with the other kids I rode to work with her that morning.
Even though the days, weeks, and years have passed quickly since that day-I still vividly recall the trip as the beginning of my fascination with the folk school. First there were the carvings-dozens of little animal figures-any child would have been spell bound by them. There was the sliding door refrigerator with more fruit in it than I’d ever seen before, and as I wandered around and lost my way-there was the nice housekeeper who let me follow her back to Mamaw-never scolding me for prowling around and getting lost.
Through the years the folk school continued to weave its way through my life. Pap has performed at many a fall festival and Friday night concert. The folk school even aided in one of the greatest achievements of his musical career-when they assisted the North Carolina Arts Council in awarding Pap and his brother the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award for their music as The Wilson Brothers. You can even read about Pap in the JCCFS’s History Center.
The folk school continues to be a part of my life today. Chatter and Chitter clogged on the John C. Campbell Folk School Clogging Team for many years; I teach an Appalachain cooking class for them; we all enjoy attending contra dances; and the whole Blind Pig Gang peforms often at the folk school-and is always on one of the stages during fall festival.
When Olive Dame Campbell opened her beloved folk school-it was primarily to help our little community of Brasstown and the surrounding area. Her vision was to teach local folks how to use the techniques and talents they already had to better their lives.
To be sure-people from all over the world have benefited from the John C. Campbell Folk School. However, every year when we take our places on the festival barn stage-I know Mrs. Campbell would be proud-not because of our musical awesomeness-but because 4 generations of the Wilson family who live just down the road have intertwined their lives with her dream.
——————–
Details:
JCCFS Fall Festival – October 4 & 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the John C. Campbell Folk School.
Daily admission: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12-17, and free for children under 12.
The Blind Pig gang will perform on the Festival Barn Stage at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday Oct 5th, and the girls will be clogging with the Kudzu Kickers on the Festival Barn Stage at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday Oct 4th.
Live close enough to attend the festival? The Folk School generously donated 4 tickets for me to giveaway-so if you want the tickets-leave me a comment and tell me. There will be 2 winners-each getting 2 tickets. The tickets are good for one day of the festival-whichever day you decide to attend.
To be entered in the giveaway-all you have to do is leave a comment on this post-telling me you want to win the tickets. The giveaway will close on Tuesday September 23.
Tipper
I have never had the opportunity to see the school despite having traveled to the area on several occasions. My husband and I both have roots in Appalachia. I would love to see so many of the creative and inventive ways that our ancestors made their lives supporting and enjoyable.
Would love to go, and hopefully will, whether we win or not.
I would love to go to the festival! My sister, Trina Hannah taught pottery classes there and, I am sure, probably did a bit of fiddling and banjo picking there as well. I’ve heardnaboutnthe school and festival for years, but have never been.
I sure would love to win the tickets because I want to see the Pressley girls sing on Sunday afternoon!!
My husband and I had the opportunity to visit the Penland School of Crafts a few years ago. We made a day of it. We are retired now and visiting the John C. Campbell Folk School is on our Bucket list. It would be great to win tickets. But, even if we don’t win the tickets, visiting the school is still on our Bucket list.
This would be a dream come true for me. I have wanted to go for so long.This chance has me dreaming again. Thanks for the chance.
I would sure love to win those tickets!
I was lucky enough to be able to visit the Folk School once before and it was free. That was in the late ’50s and my Aunt Violet took us. She worked for them then.
I’ve never been back although I have always intended to. Now it’s too far for me to drive. How many missed opportunities lie between then and now?
On the bright side, I can listen to the “Wilson Brothers” whenever I want. They are both out in the truck right now. For real! I got both CDs and that is hands down the best collection of Southern Gospel/Bluegrass Gospel ever put together.
They are for sale under the icon that says “Buy Paul & Pap’s Music” upscreen on the left or here https://blindpigandtheacorn.com/pickin-grinnin-in-the-kitchen-music-from-the-blind-pig-gang/ . They don’t cost much and you’ll get your money back every time you listen.
Count me in. That’s the one October weekend we don’t have a marching band competition. Whew! I’ve had JCCFS programmed into my GPS for a long time, but haven’t gotten to visit yet. Maybe this would be just the ticket. (snicker, snicker. Sometimes I crack myself up!)
Best regards,
Mark Selby,
Kingsport, TN
Tipper,
I’ve lived in the upper end of
Cherokee County practically all my life. But I never went to the John C. Campbell thing until I met you and the Deer Hunter and Pap’s bunch. Talk about a blessing, I now love the Festival and all the
activities. This is the biggest
thing in Western North Carolina and I liked to have never found
my car when it was over. Seems
like there were over 20,000 folks
there that day and from all over
the country. It’s a Good Time!
…Ken
Tipper,
I can’t believe that October is just two weeks away! I would love to win the tickets but think there is something going on here but just can’t put my finger on it right now. So, don’t put me in the drawing! Seems at our age, planning ahead is not an easy thing to do.
I love the school, there are so many classes they offer and one day I hope to attend one or two. The crafts are just top of the line good!
Maybe with any luck at all we can see the Blind Pig play and sing on Sunday.
Thanks Tipper,
PS…It is so pretty here today and hope your day is fine as frog hair too!
When I lived “over the line” in Epworth, GA, we often attended events at the John C. Campbell Folk School, and always enjoyed whatever was on the calendar! We also enjoyed “eating out” on Friday nights at the cafeteria (advance notice, of course!). I’ve written about the Folk School in my newspaper columns, and told many people about how much fun it is to go to events there! I’m so glad the Wilson Family is a four-generation giver as well as receiver of the Folk School’s history! Congratulations!
We would really look forward to going to the JCCF’S festival this year and listen to the Blind Pig Gang and watch some good clogging by the Kudzu Kickers!
I would love to win the tickets and attend, however, since I live in Maryland and can’t make the trip if my entry wins, give the tickets to someone who can’t afford the admission price, small though it may be.
My son and daughter-in-law will be visiting from Texas and we are taking them to the festival. I hope we get a chance to meet.
What a wonderful way to share the knowledge and history of a special area!
Tipper, I love your memories of the folk school and how it has been a part of your family for all these generations. I also like the idea that it will continue on as your beautiful daughters have families of their own.
Continuity and a concept if far underrated in these times!
Good Morning Tipper, thank you for starting my day off at work with good cheer. I would certainly appreciate two tickets. I haven’t been to the festival in several years, would love to see what’s new and exciting! Thank you.
Oh how I wish I were closer!! Please don’t enter me(sob!),but whoever wins will have a great time,I’m sure!!
I have JCCFS on my bucket list to attend a class there someday. I would love to get tickets to the Fall Festival. Tipper, you and your family’s history there is very interesting.
Well Tipper, you have sent out many a post but I do believe this one takes the cake – if you know what I mean! You and your beautiful family have made their mark on that amazing community! And the Folk School is the icing on the cake!
If it had not been for your performance at the Folk School that beautiful October 5, 2013, I would have never met Clay Ivester and gotten the photos of Uncle Johnny and friends from Clay. AND I WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN INSPIRED TO WRITE “FIDDLER OF THE MOUNTAINS” in Uncle Johnny’s honor.
For that and much more, I THANK YOU!
Eva Nell
I would appreciate the two free tickets, because I would give them to friends who live out of town. They would really enjoy all the crafts and music at the event.