The theme of this year’s Folk Festival is “Keeping Tradition Alive!” Theresa Morgan will certainly be following that theme as she passes along information about the tradition of the Maypole! She has graciously volunteered to present two demonstrations of the Maypole tradition in hopes of keeping this tradition alive.

When was the last time you participated in a Maypole dance and wrapped the pole? Never participated in one? Never seen one? Well, bring the children and let them experience it first-hand. Demonstrations of this timeless tradition will be held at 10 am and 2 pm on July 15.

Attending a “May Tea Party” with her daughter prompted Morgan to begin having a similar event for her daughter and her friends. Shortly after, the Isle Brevelle Garden Club was formed. The Garden Club would meet annually to exchange plants and packets of seeds. Tea and sandwiches were served for refreshments and attendees would wrap a Maypole. Instead of the Green Party being for children only, it also included parents. Children as well as adults enjoy this annual tradition.

The 38th annual Natchitoches-Northwestern Folk Festival will be held July 14-15 in Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus. Festival hours are 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets are $13 for an advance all-events pass through July 11. Advance tickets are free for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door for $6 for Friday night, $10 for all day Saturday or $6 for Saturday after 5 p.m.