Kutztown Folk Festival Named One of the Top Two Cultural Festivals in America According to USA Today

Kutztown, PA (03/25/2019) — The USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards named the Kutztown Folk Festival one of the top two cultural festivals in the country. The festival was selected as the runner-up in competition to 20 nationwide cultural festivals and placed as a finalist beside the likes of the Water Lantern Festival, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Frozen Dead Guy Days Festival.

Where travel offers an introduction to a new culture, whether in another state or another country, festivals are an intimate and advanced study. The Kutztown Folk Festival is, according to USA Today, truly travel-worthy, offering the chance to broaden horizons, try new things, and connect with others from around the continent and the world.

"We're thrilled that after 70 years, we are still able to showcase the authentic and exciting Pennsylvania Dutch culture. It's our goal to educate the country and the world on its rich history, as well as the intricate trades of its artisans. This recognition and exposure aides us in that goal and we are grateful for that," said Steve Sharadin, Kutztown Folk Festival Executive Director.

At the Kutztown Folk Festival, a visitor experiences more music, more entertainment, more fun, and far less work than they would in a Pennsylvania Dutch household. But the purpose of the festival is still fulfilled, as evidenced by the continued participation of the local Pennsylvania Dutch community as well as many of the foremost experts and scholars of this fascinating microcosm of America. This unusual nine-day festival has been featured twice in National Geographic and touted as "one of the most unique festivals on the East coast" by the Washington Post. The Kutztown Folk Festival is excited to add this USA Today 10Best recognition to their roster of accolades.

The 70th annual Kutztown Folk Festival runs from June 29 to July 7, 2019. For additional information visit KutztownFestival.com.

About the Kutztown Folk Festival

The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America. Held in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, the nine-day festival draws visitors from all over the world, entertaining families while providing insight and understanding of the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life. The Kutztown Folk Festival features authentic folklife demonstrations; a wide variety of Pennsylvania Dutch food; over 200 nationally recognized, juried folk artists and traditional American craftsmen; over 2,500 locally handmade quilts on display and for sale; antiques and collectibles; six stages of entertainment; music and dancing; and a wide range of children's activities.

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