Top 10 Texas Folklife Festival Fun Facts
1. The Beginnings
In 1968, representatives from the Institute of Texan Cultures (then called the Texas Pavilion at HemisFair) were invited to co-sponsor the Festival of American Folklife in Washington, D.C., with the Smithsonian Institute. The national festival’s success spurred the interest to stage a similar event in San Antonio.
2. Inspiration and Leadership
O.T. Baker headed the delegation at the Festival in Washington, D.C., and was subsequently named manager of the first Texas Folklife Festival (TFF). Held from September 7-10, 1972, the TFF was overwhelmingly received by the state’s citizens. In 1997, the Texas Festivals and Events Association (TFEA) bestowed Baker with a Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding service, dedication and leadership in appreciation for his contributions to the Texas festivals industry.
In 1995, the TFF’s Director, Jo Ann Andera, was inducted into the Texas Festivals & Events Hall of Honor and also received the TFEA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1995, Andera served as chairman of the board of IFEA and in 1998 she was inducted into the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Hall of Fame.
3. Benefits
Since the first TFF in 1972—when it relied on grants and donations—it has blossomed into a self-sustaining event. The proceeds of admission and food revenue provide additional funding for other very important educational programs at the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC). And, considering more than 200,000 school-aged children from San Antonio and the surrounding areas visit the ITC each year, this funding is an essential component in furthering the mission.
By partaking in the wide variety of culinary delights, you are supporting and furthering Texas’ cultural programs and ensuring the rich traditions continue. Throughout the TFF’s 32 years, millions of dollars have been generated for the participating cultural groups, which help to sustain these programs throughout the state.
4. Foods
More than 40 ethnic groups from 64 counties and 99 cities throughout Texas—Alsatian, Belgian, Cajun, Celt, Chinese, Czech, Danish, German, Greek, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, Lithuanian, Mexican, Nigerian, Norwegian, Panamanian, Scottish, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Wendish—come together to participate in this cultural celebration by providing visitors with the history and customs of the ethnic origins that make Texas so special!
5. Musical Entertainment and Dance Groups
From Americana to Zydeco, the Texas Folklife Festival offers a wide variety of musical entertainment groups for your enjoyment. In addition, ethnic dance groups perform their traditional dances in full and fancy costumes.
6. Arts and crafts
More than 60 artisans from across the state display their work at the Texas Folklife Festival, ranging from art to jewelry. All of the items are available for purchase.
7. Contests and Demonstrations
There are assorted competitions visitors can participate in—from spitting watermelon seeds to the Cajun two-step, everyone will enjoy learning a new skill and striving to be Texas’ best!
Artisans from across the state bring their traditional skills to the Texas Folklife Festival for visitors to try their hand at the crafts our great-grandparents and great, great-grandparents could do so well. From learning to make wine to chuck wagon cooking and making cowhide furniture, these talented people will entertain you with their work and teach you how to it’s done!
8. Kids Stuff
What child doesn’t love to have their face painted, get a henna tattoo, listen to some of the Lone Star state’s greatest storytellers, eat good food and have fun? And there are even carnival rides…the child in everyone will have a great time at the Texas Folklife Festival!
9. Family Values
The TFF is a great way to enjoy quality time with the family, friends and loved ones as well as provide a positive form of “edutainment” for the kids. Children can learn what it was like to grow up in Texas, how to make soap, get their face painted, see how far they can spit a watermelon seed, how quickly they can shuck an ear of corn and so much more! In today’s hurried world, the TFF is a perfect place to spend the day learning, laughing, eating, listening to music and enjoying one another.
10. For More Information
For more information about the TFF or to order tickets, please call 210.458.2259, visit the website at www.texasfolklifefestival.org or write Texas Folklife Festival, 801 S. Bowie Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205-3296. Advance tickets may also be purchased from May 1 through June 2 at area H-E-B stores.