Known for its bluegrass and old-time music along with a lively arts scene, Floyd, Virginia, will celebrate its heritage on Saturday, August 26 with the Floyd Living Traditions Festival. The festival will feature music on two stages and will demonstrate Floyd traditions such as quilting, spinning, instrument making, weaving, blacksmithing, woodworking, and basketmaking.
Highlights will include precious artifacts from the collection of the Old Church Gallery, Floyd’s cultural arts museum; interpretive performances telling the story of how Floyd County, a small rural community, developed such a fascinating heritage; creative hands-on activities for children; vendors offering both traditional and contemporary art for sale; and a Community Art Project inviting everyone to contribute to the creation of a tangible expression of the beauty of Floyd.
Food will be for sale and can be enjoyed along with music near the outdoor stage, demonstrations, and artisan tents. For those who prefer to eat indoors, they may listen to a variety of music and lectures, such as “Keepers of the Tradition” and “Quilts and Quilters of Floyd County,” on the Thomas & Wall Real Estate stage located inside the art center’s 1940s-era dairy barn.
This is a free event. Presented by the Floyd Center for the Arts, with support from Mid Atlantic Arts and the Virginia Folklife Program (Virginia Humanities). In partnership with the Handmade Music School to showcase traditional Floyd County arts on FCA’s campus.
