Friday at the Phest

The Philadelphia Folk Fest is in year 53 but it's my first official visit to the event. I'm spending four days and four nights here enjoying the music and experiencing the fellowship at the campgrounds. I'm at the half way point. Thursday is a warm up night with camps being set up, old friends reuniting and new friends being made. The night comes with a concert of four performers. Friday feels like the beginning of the full festival experience. We began with an entrance through a crafters , organic, home made paradise. It took all my willpower not to start burning through cash on dresses and hats, maybe my very first instrument but I persevered and made it to the stages. Music is every where you look. I felt a bit overwhelmed but the mood surrounding this event is a feeling of ease and friendship. The mood here is devoutly focused on the community. There is a family feeling here. The crowd is multi--generational. There are third and fourth generation "festers". People greet each other with hugs and the saying "Happy Fest!" like we all just arrived at our universal grandmother's house for Thanksgiving.