By: Ed Custer
ENGL 336.003
Many people would agree that they enjoy the comfort of music playing in the background during a meal and the crowd during the Appalachian Festival was no exception. In the Upper Quad of Frostburg State University presentations on ‘local business’ by guest speakers, Frostburg professors, and Frostburg students took place. The crowd enjoyed a complimentary lunch and entertainment by The Barnstormers who were accompanied by The RockCandy Cloggers. The RockCandy Cloggers (Rock Howland and Candy Ranlet) who are better known for their clogging routines, have joined The Barnstormers (Slim Harrison and Tom Jolin) for a number of concerts and festivals across the area. All members of the musical group even dressed to fit the era of the music they were playing. Junior Bobcat, Chelsie Yutzy said as she enjoyed her mushroom ravioli and rice, “It’s going to be tough to pull myself away from the excitement of the music and get to my next class on time.” The music of choice for the noon lunch Friday, September 17th was traditional American folk music. The band belted out their historical tunes by playing the guitar, banjo, fiddles, upright bass, mandolin, jaw harp, hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, concertina, fiddlesticks, and spoons. As the crowd continued to show their appreciation for the music with loud but, well deserved applause, the guitarist with a smile on his face, nudged his partner who was playing the violin and said to the crowd “He gets a swelled head if you clap too much,” and they continued to play.
Not only did the music keep the mood light but, everyone in participation couldn’t have been any more kind. As I sat at a table and enjoyed the crisp, seasonal changing breeze and the live entertainment, many in charge encouraged me to grab a plate as well and make myself comfortable. One anonymous bystander had this to say when I questioned him on the success of the presentations, his reaction to the entertainment, and the friendly visitors, “I wish they had some Captain Morgan to go along with this bash!” The man and I shared a couple laughs as we filled our juice glasses at the beverage table.
Pam Rose, a women involved with the actual presentations said, “I am surprised by the energy the young people bring to the business world.” Ms. Rose expressed her wishes for a more ethical and community based approach for local businesses and she also encouraged that “It’s not all about the money.” Some of the organizations who participated in the event included The Trident Initiative, which is a Frostburg State University oriented program for students interested in the world of business and The Counselors to America’s Small Business (SCORE), which is a much larger organization that joined the festivities to share a portion of what they are about and what they can do for the business minded individual.
Aside from the students achieving a more solid grasp on business as a possible major, some current business students presenting a few of their ideas and projects, and the up-beat music, during the lunch there were certain signs of a joyous occasion had by all in attendance. With the availability of great food, the appreciation of well known friends, and new acquaintances, the event proved to be a hit simply from the view outside. The festivities were filled with laughter and a few care-free dancers showed off a few of their move. The Appalachian Festival was off to a very promising start for this year as events continued through the rest of Friday and Saturday in the town of Frostburg, Maryland.
Not only did the music keep the mood light but, everyone in participation couldn’t have been any more kind. As I sat at a table and enjoyed the crisp, seasonal changing breeze and the live entertainment, many in charge encouraged me to grab a plate as well and make myself comfortable. One anonymous bystander had this to say when I questioned him on the success of the presentations, his reaction to the entertainment, and the friendly visitors, “I wish they had some Captain Morgan to go along with this bash!” The man and I shared a couple laughs as we filled our juice glasses at the beverage table.
Pam Rose, a women involved with the actual presentations said, “I am surprised by the energy the young people bring to the business world.” Ms. Rose expressed her wishes for a more ethical and community based approach for local businesses and she also encouraged that “It’s not all about the money.” Some of the organizations who participated in the event included The Trident Initiative, which is a Frostburg State University oriented program for students interested in the world of business and The Counselors to America’s Small Business (SCORE), which is a much larger organization that joined the festivities to share a portion of what they are about and what they can do for the business minded individual.
Aside from the students achieving a more solid grasp on business as a possible major, some current business students presenting a few of their ideas and projects, and the up-beat music, during the lunch there were certain signs of a joyous occasion had by all in attendance. With the availability of great food, the appreciation of well known friends, and new acquaintances, the event proved to be a hit simply from the view outside. The festivities were filled with laughter and a few care-free dancers showed off a few of their move. The Appalachian Festival was off to a very promising start for this year as events continued through the rest of Friday and Saturday in the town of Frostburg, Maryland.
http://www.frostburg.edu/trident/overview.htm
http://www.score.org/ask_score.html
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