All Ages Can Have Fun

By: Janine Fields

September 16, 17, and 18 marked the start of a special annual event hear at Frostburg which embraces the cultural background of the Appalachian area. This event called the Appalachian festival is a chance for the people of this area to share their talents with each other, with the students at Frostburg State University, and especially the children of Frostburg. The biggest turn out for children was September 18 when the festival was held in the upper quad of Frostburg State. One could not miss the packs of elementary school children running from tent to tent as their parents try to keep up with them, or see the impatient brother and sister waiting to see what was inside the art bus, or even friends racing each other on stilts by Old Main. Seeing these acts of innocence brought more life to the festival and to the various tents and presenters that day. Children completely enjoyed the musical performances and the different tents where they were creating different memorabilia from this event. In an age where art and music is fighting to stay in many schools, it is safe to know that children still have some outlet through the events Frostburg holds.

One of the big hits with the children was the arts and craft tent and the Art Bus. At the tent, children and students alike were creating corn husk dolls and cat's eyes. The art bus that was provided by the Allagheny Art Council, however was directed more for the younger children as they were able to create various mask to wear while they were walking around. The actual bus was rather small and could only fit about eight people. It was crowded and hot as the college volunteers, parents and children try to get pass each other for different reason. The climate of the bus was enough for most parents to stay outside and watch through one of the open windows. Their children however would of spend thirty minutes or more in the bus to perfect their pig face or explain to the volunteers why they colored their mask red. A senior at Frostburg State Victoria Keene commented saying “It is actually fun bringing a smile to a child's face once they put the mask on their face knowing that you helped them with it.”

The organizers did an good job placing this bus right next to the Sowers Stage so the children could hear acts such as the Time Travelers and “That's It” while they were doing the crafts.Inside the bus you saw make kids looking out of the window at the performance and swinging their legs to the song and smiling in complete bliss. Many even made the statement that they thought the art bus would be 'lame' but now were glad that they came inside. The one time one would see a disappointed child was when they heard the words 'It's time to go home' and they had to explain to their moms and dads that they HAD pet one of the goats one more time. Seeing that the committee made sure that the native children were surrounded by the rich music and art of their culture was a good choice and made it a good day not only for the child but for the whole family.