Thousands expected to attend NC Folk Fest in Greensboro

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — The biggest party in downtown Greensboro is almost here.

The 10th annual North Carolina Folk Festival kicks off Friday and runs all weekend long.

Organizers are almost ready. They spent almost two weeks setting up downtown, and Thursday is just the finishing touches. This year, there are new street closures, new stages and a director leading the way.

“I am so excited,” said Jodee Ruppel, the executive director of the North Carolina Folk Festival. She has a lot of energy, and her passion for all the details is unmatched.

It’s a team effort with her staff and hundreds and hundreds of volunteers.

Even though it’s her first year running the show, she is no stranger to the festival.

“I have been attending since 2016 … After my first one, I realized what a great party and how much fun this was,” Ruppel said.

While Ruppel steps into her new role, Sally Schipley takes a back seat this year.

“I just get to come and have fun and play with my friends, and I don’t do any work this year,” Schipley said.

For the past eight years, she volunteered at the festival.

“A lot of times, I am stuck in that merch tent … so I didn’t get to travel a lot, but I handled the artist’s merchandise, so it was always fun to meet them, but I want to go hear them,” Schipley said.

Together, people discover new artists, hear their favorites and meet new friends.

“It is a great time … in downtown. It’s easy, it’s accessible and it gets to show off our city,” Ruppel said.

The North Carolina Folk Festival brings in upwards of 150,000 people.

“I like seeing all the people,” said Iyana Peeples, a manager at Savor The Moment. “We have crunch cheesecake.”

The store is located right by the City Stage.

“We usually are busy, but it will be 10 times worse,” Peeples said.

Savor The Moment extended its hours and has stocked up for the big weekend.

“I am good. I have been through this before,” Peeples said.

It’s a tradition for people across the southeast. During set-up, some local volunteers see what all the hype is about.

It’s a year full of firsts with a 10-year tradition of community and music back in the Triad.

“It is magical. We are ready for it to be here. We are ready to start the party,” Ruppel said.

There are already road closures downtown. If you plan to head out this weekend, be sure to plan it out on the North Carolina Folk Festival website first.

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