The Cumberland Gap FolkFest is this Saturday down in the Gap and this year they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first FolkFest.

FolkFest was founded in 1974 by the Townlift Committee as an event to highlight folk arts & crafts to promote the historic town of Cumberland Gap. The daylong event occurred on & off for twenty years and now it’s back as an annual tradition.

Music on the Porch Stage begins at 10 a.m. with Danita Dodson, Jordan Lee King performs at 11, Kelle Jolly and Nayeema Hoffman take the stage at noon, Joseph Hensley performs at 1 p.m., followed by Danielle Tennessee at 2, Dale Ann Bradley at 3 and Larry Cadle at 4.

Meanwhile the Olde Church Events Center will host FolkFest Exhibit with two amazing opportunities to fully appreciate the building’s acoustics: through the Olde Harp Singing of David Sarten and the Olde Harp singers at 11 a.m., and through the ballad singing of Carmen McCord and Pamela Williams at 1 p.m. The rest of the day the center will offer a spot where those who need to cool down and/or take a sensory break will find a quiet area for peace and relaxation.

The town will be full of Appalachian artisans and crafters giving demonstrations.

There will also be a Kids’ Corner with face painting, a slingshot range, whirligig making and traditional toys they can play with. Children can also sign up to compete in the “Appalachian Kids’ Olympics” where medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each hourly activity: the Sack Race, Corn Shucking, Apple Bobbing, Bean Breaking, the Egg Race and the Water Bucket Race.