11th Annual Ballyhoo Fest March 1-2 at Gulf State Park
11th Annual Ballyhoo Fest March 1-2 at Gulf State Park
As spring starts to make its entrance into Alabama, the Ballyhoo Festival also enters its 11th year as a fine art and fine craft event with additional emphasis on cultural history. The Festival will be March 1-2 at the beautiful Gulf State Park, located between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Shelby.
In addition to the 115 great artists from all parts of the United States, the Ballyhoo Festival focuses on various cultures from different areas. Saturday, March 2, the only federally recognized Native American tribe in the State of Alabama, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, will provide historical narrative and original tribal dance in ceremonial regalia.
Sunday, March 2, the cultural focus will be on Early Americana Appalachian music in the form of a fiddle and banjo competition. Competitors come from across the Southeast to participate in this event, sponsored by FloraBama and the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Food of different cultures is also a major attraction. The Festival features Cajun food from New Orleans, Asian and Indian food along with local seafood.
The Ballyhoo Stage features bands of different genres and the Coastal Alabama Chamber will be selling soft drinks, water and adult beverages on the West and East end of the Festival.
Parking will be at the Gulf Shores Pavilion and the Gulf Shores Pier. The fee to park is $10. All parking and entrance will be handled by the Gulf Park Rangers. Additional parking will be at the Gulf Shores High School. There is no fee for parking at the school. Free shuttle service will be available at all parking sites.
Visitors will want to grab a picnic table or find a grassy lawn spot both days and enjoy the fun filled days of art, culture, music and great food. The address is 20110 State Park Road, Hwy 138, Gulf Shores, Alabama. The event is made possible in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.