TheGathering in the Gap Festivalon May 28th, 2011. The festival is all about the culture of Southwest Virginia. The music, food, and craft vendors all relate to some aspect of the Southwest Virginian culture, either past or present.
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap
I, for one, can attest to the high quality entertainment and experiences one will encounter at this festival. I have volunteered as a “Friend of the Museum” for this festival since its beginning. This year I will be volunteering as an AmeriCorps member with the AmeriCorps State Park Interpretive program.
The festival has headlined amazing artists including: The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Blue Highway, and Dirk Powell. This year the 2010 Bluegrass Band of the Year, The Grascals, will be the main attraction.
The festival appeals to everyone because it offers a wide-range of activities in which one can participate. Each year there are workshops and this year there will be a songwriting workshop with Suzzane Mumpower and Jamie Johnson, a traditional dance workshop with Martha and Emily Spencer, and a shape note singing workshop with Alexander Garden.
Volunteering is fun atthe Fifth Annual Gathering in the Gap Festival at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
The craft vendors have everything from handmade jewelry, hand-made jewelry boxes and wooden crafts, hand-made baskets, hand-made instruments such as dulcimers, to handmade quilts, etc.
The event also has a children’s area in which parents can take their children to learn crafts, hear storytellers, listen to music, create music, and enjoy good food. As a volunteer for the past four years, I have helped with the children’s area and enjoyed it each year. In 2009, I told a story to entertain the children.
Each year, I have enjoyed the intimate setting the Big Stone Gap, Virginia. The Gathering in the Gap Festival is the perfect event to spend a day of fun and enjoyment with the entire family while enjoying the beauty and peace of nature.
For information about volunteering with Virginia State Parks website.