Simon Sorghum & Music Festival is September 28, 29
- The John Roger Simon Sorghum & Music Festival in Scioto County, Ohio, is a beloved community event celebrating its 40th year with free admission, showcasing Appalachian culture through music, crafts, and food.
- Held at the historic Simon Farm, visitors will experience tours of a 5th-generation homestead, live traditional Appalachian music, and demonstrations of heritage crafts such as corn husk dolls, wool spinning, and soap making.
- The festival aims to preserve Appalachian traditions and support local communities, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage through the efforts of its founder, John Roger Simon, an educator and passionate advocate for Appalachian culture.
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The Appalachian hills of Scioto County, Ohio, are set to come alive with music, heritage crafts, and the rich traditions of the region as the John Roger Simon Sorghum & Music Festival makes its 40th annual appearance. This beloved community celebration, which will take place on September 28 and 29, promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
A Legacy of Tradition
The John Roger Simon Sorghum & Music Festival has a long and storied history, dating back to its inception in the early years of this beloved event. For nearly four decades, it has been a staple of the local community, attracting visitors from far and wide to enjoy the unique blend of Appalachian culture and heritage crafts. The festival has been a labor of love for its organizers, who have worked tirelessly to preserve the traditions of the region and share them with a wider audience.
A Free Event for the Public
One of the most exciting aspects of this year's festival is its admission policy. The event is free to the public, making it accessible to everyone eager to experience the rich heritage of Appalachia. This commitment to inclusivity reflects the organizers' dedication to sharing the region's cultural treasures with all who are interested.
The Simon Farm: A Historic Homestead
At the heart of the festival is the historic Simon Farm, a 5th-generation French homestead that dates back to 1864. This beautifully preserved farmhouse and its accompanying outbuildings are steeped in history and provide a unique backdrop for the festival. Visitors can tour the homestead and explore the various outbuildings, including a museum showcasing old farm implements used by John Simon's family and their neighbors.
Live Music and Heritage Crafts
The festival is renowned for its live music and heritage crafts demonstrations. Old-time musicians from around the region will gather to play traditional stringed instruments, creating impromptu music circles that erupt unpredictably throughout the event. Artisans will also be on hand to demonstrate rural heritage crafts, such as corn husk dolls and wheat weavings, as well as rural life skills like spinning wool and quilting. These demonstrations are not just about showcasing traditional techniques but also about sharing the stories and histories behind each craft.
Highlights of Heritage Crafts
- Corn Husk Dolls: Artisans will demonstrate how these traditional dolls are made using corn husks and other natural materials.
- Wheat Weavings: Visitors can watch as weavers create intricate patterns using wheat straw.
- Spinning Wool: Learn how wool is spun into yarn using traditional spinning wheels.
- Quilting: Witness the art of quilting, where artisans create beautiful quilts using traditional techniques and patterns.
- Soap-Making: Discover the process of making soap using natural ingredients like herbs and essential oils.
Delicious Southern Cuisine
No festival would be complete without delicious food, and the Simon Sorghum & Music Festival does not disappoint. A variety of southern-style dishes will be available for purchase, including hot dogs with Bea’s famous homemade meat sauce, bean soup, cornbread, and sorghum-sweetened baked goods. Visitors can indulge in these tasty treats while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the festival.
Special Menu Items
- Hot Dogs with Homemade Meat Sauce: Savor hot dogs topped with Bea’s secret meat sauce, a recipe passed down through generations.
- Bean Soup: Enjoy a hearty bowl of bean soup, perfect for warming up on a crisp autumn day.
- Cornbread: Bite into a warm slice of cornbread, often served with a side of butter or honey.
- Sorghum-Sweetened Baked Goods: Treat yourself to baked goods sweetened with sorghum syrup, a unique ingredient that adds a rich flavor to any dessert.
Celebrating Appalachian Folk Art & Music
The Simon Sorghum & Music Festival is not just about food and crafts; it is also a celebration of Appalachian folk art and music. The event honors the splendor of the Appalachian forests and landscapes that have inspired the culture and lives of our nation’s Appalachian peoples. Visitors are encouraged to connect with nature and appreciate its deep influence on the region’s heritage.
Music Sessions
- Jam Sessions: Enjoy impromptu music sessions featuring old-time musicians playing traditional stringed instruments.
- Traditional Instruments: Watch as musicians play instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, and harmonica.
- Music Circles: Participate in or simply enjoy the lively music circles that pop up unpredictably throughout the festival.
Preserving Appalachian Culture
John Roger Simon, the founder of the festival, has been instrumental in preserving Appalachian culture. With a Ph.D. in music and a career as an educator at Shawnee State University, Simon has taught classes on Country and Appalachian music, Appalachian religious traditions, and Appalachian sociology. His passion for understanding and appreciating these rich cultural traditions has been the driving force behind the festival.
Supporting Local Communities
The Simon Sorghum & Music Festival is more than just an event; it is also an effort to support local communities and preserve their cultural heritage. By attending this festival, visitors not only experience the beauty of Appalachian traditions but also contribute to the preservation of these traditions for future generations.
Conclusion
The John Roger Simon Sorghum & Music Festival is an event that promises to captivate audiences of all ages with its rich blend of music, heritage crafts, and delicious southern cuisine. With its free admission policy and commitment to preserving Appalachian culture, this festival is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in exploring the traditions of this beautiful region. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting from out of town, the Simon Sorghum & Music Festival is an experience you won’t want to miss.
External Resources
For more information about the festival, including its schedule and participating artisans, please visit The Arc of Appalachia.
