John C. Campbell Folk School Turns 100: Centennial Kicks Off at Fall Festival
The John C. Campbell Folk School is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025. The centennial festivities will kick off at the school's 49th Annual Fall Festival on October 4-5, 2025, and continue throughout the following year.
Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina officially recognized the Folk School's centennial on September 23, 2025, issuing a proclamation that declared October 4, 2025, as a day of recognition across the state. The proclamation is a testament to the school's significant impact on preserving Southern Appalachian culture and craft.
As part of the celebrations, the Folk School unveiled a rare, conserved, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region. This historic artifact is a symbol of the school's commitment to its roots and the communities it serves.
The Fall Festival is expected to be a major event, drawing thousands of visitors for live music, dance performances, craft demonstrations, and an artisan market featuring over 200 vendors. The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce has also acknowledged the Folk School's contributions, naming it the 2025 Business of the Year.
The John C. Campbell Folk School's centennial celebrations promise to be a vibrant and meaningful tribute to its founding principles and the communities it has served for a century. The upcoming Fall Festival and the state's official recognition are just the beginning of a year-long celebration of the school's dedication to craft, culture, and community.
