Wilkesboro, NC – September 19, 2016 ––The second annual Carolina In The Fall Music and Food Festival presented by Wilkes Communications, Inc. is this Friday and Saturday, September 23rd and 24th. The Festival continues its’ tradition of celebrating the heritage of western North Carolina through music, food and beverage. Over 100 musicians, chefs, vintners and craft beer brewers from the region will gather on Main Street in Wilkesboro, NC to engage audiences with the best of their craft.
“We have a big change from last year, the Festival grounds are open to the public with no admission charge. Folks can enjoy the Food trucks and shop at the Vendor mall without having to purchase a wristband”, said Dale Isom, Festival Organizer. “Those wishing to take in the music will have to purchase a wristband to enter the music venues.”
Wilkes County’s own The Kruger Brothers will be the Festival hosts again and welcome some of North Carolina’s best Folk/ Roots music bands. They will be joined by some of our nation’s best bands from other regions that tip their hats to the rich musical history of Wilkes, the Heart of American Folk Music™. This year’s line-up includes The Kruger Brothers, The Infamous Stringdusters, The Steel Wheels, The Symphony of the Mountains, Flatt Lonesome, Humming House, Nora Jane Struthers and the Party Line, The Snyder Family Band and many others.
Each evening during the festival, the Kruger Brothers will host the Carolina Jam at the Yadkin Valley Event Center at the Wilkesboro Holiday Inn Express. Artists from each day will come together to present once in a lifetime, unforgettable jam sessions. Last year’s Jams were the talk of the festival and beyond. These sessions are available to those that purchase a VIP ticket.
Along with great music, those that attend the festival will enjoy some of North Carolina’s best food as food trucks from across North Carolina will bring their amazing recipes to feed the masses and compete in the Carolina in the Fall Food Truck Championship presented by Tyson Foods. This year’s line-up of trucks includes an amazing variety of cuisine. From Burgers and Wings to Haitian Cuisine, everyone will be able to find a personal favorite.
If you have a grown-up thirst, local vineyards and regional craft beer breweries will be onsite to provide a taste of the region’s best adult beverages. Booneshine Brewing Company and Lost Province Brewing Company will be selling their best seasonal brews and Brushy Mountain Winery will be pouring some of the region’s best wines.
Vendors from across the region will be on hand to sell beautiful, handmade items. Jeff Wilson of Brushy Mountain Pottery and Lyle Wheeler will be on hand to demonstrate pottery and blacksmithing and woodworking. Handcrafted jewelry and specialty items by Deb Goodman, Classy Country and A Purpose Again will be available. Southern Candle will have a variety of scented candle and a special Carolina in the Fall Candle. Handmade baskets and soaps by Brey Quality Crafts. Jams, Jelly and Blueberry Smoothies by Green Mesa Farms. In addition, Carolina in the Fall will feature great snacks and beverages provided by Talia Espresso, Anchor Coffee, Kettlebear Kettlecorn, Carolina Shaved Ice, Brushy Mountain Creamery and Spudcluckers.
Many other activities are scheduled to take place during the festival. For those that want to bring their instrument and enjoy some Jam time, the Acoustic Folk Society will be hosting the Picking Place on the lawn of the Heritage Museum. Corn Hole will be ongoing on the festival grounds. Clogging and Contra Dance lessons will be available to those that want to get out of their seats and move.
The North Carolina Banjo Championship sponsored by Deering Banjos will take place at the Heritage Stage on Saturday morning, September 24th with the winner receiving a Deering Eagle II Banjo values at $2700.00. Also occurring Saturday morning is the 1st Annual Chad Lovette Memorial Trial Run to benefit the American Cancer Society. If you want to participate in either the Banjo Competition or the Trail Run, be at the proper location by 8:00 AM. Information about both events is available on the Festival website, www.carolinainthefall.org.
In its’ second year, Carolina in the Fall Music and Food Festival received one of five coveted Nominations for the 2016 Event of the Year Momentum Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association. The Award will be presented at the IBMA Awards luncheon next week during the World of Bluegrass Awards ceremony on September 29th.
Festival tickets are still available for purchase on the festival website, www.carolinainthefall.org , at the Festival offices located at 1305 South Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro, NC or at the Festival.
Local accommodations consist of campgrounds and area hotels. The Town of Wilkesboro is opening up the Sewerfest Campground for the Carolina in the Fall™ festival. Contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your campsite or click the link on the festival website.
Make plans now to be in Downtown Historic Wilkesboro on September 23rd and 24th to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season of Carolina in the Fall. Carolina in the Fall Music and Food Festival™ is made possible through the partnership of Heart of Folk, LLC, Wilkes Communications, Inc., the Kruger Brothers and Town of Wilkesboro.