East Lansing, Michigan, is a hidden gem of the Midwest travel scene, with an extensive list of attractions and activities to offer everyone.
The city is a unique and fun destination to visit, embracing a small-town vibe while having the activities and culture to give it a cosmopolitan feel. In fact, East Lansing has so much to offer that it may take you a few trips to get the full experience. The city is a hub for art and culture in the region. You’ll find an assortment of galleries, theaters, and event centers including the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, Eli and Edythe Broad Museum for Contemporary Art, and Lansing Art Gallery. The history of the area is storied and on display at various museums and historical sites like the State Capitol Building, Michigan History Museum and MSU Museum. This fun and vibrant city is perfect for large events and festivals. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, visit during one of the big events like the Great Lakes Folk Festival.
For 15 years, the Great Lakes Folk Festival has been one of the top folk festivals in the region. This three-day event has a dedicated following, and this year they are expecting over 80,000 in attendance. The event is ideal for everyone, especially families and couples. You’ll encounter a wide range activities and entertainment that are both fun and educational. Some of the entertainment includes live music, dancing, arts and crafts, storytelling and games. If you get hungry, there will be an assortment of food trucks and vendors serving up diverse meals. Few events out there combine this many cultures into a fun learning experience that everyone can relate to. Make the journey to the Great Lakes Folk Festival and join in on one of the top cultural events in the Midwestern United States. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Stephanie Palagyi, Production Assistant from the MSU Museum, to talk about the Great Lakes Folk Festival.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
SP: This year is the 15th annual Great Lakes Folk Festival. It's difficult to tell the exact attendance due to the fact that this is not a ticketed event, but we estimate that over the three-day festival we draw 80,000 people.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
SP: It is a family friendly festival with kid’s activities, but besides families we see a lot of groups of friends, couples, and single people.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
SP: The Michigan State University Museum presents the Great Lakes Folk Festival Aug. 12th through the 14th, showcasing our country’s rich heritage through music, dance, crafts, storytelling, games, and food. Both entertaining and educational, the Great Lakes Folk Festival is a special fusion of art fair, music festival, county fair, hands-on activity workshop, living museum exhibition, and a celebration of multi-ethnic heritage.
Festival-goers can take in a tremendous variety of traditional music performed by talented musicians from across the nation. Music genres you’ll find here include blues, bluegrass, Celtic, old-time, salsa, swing and polka rhythms. All music and entertainment is performed by the country’s finest musicians and dancers.
In addition, the GLFF offers a Folk Art Marketplace, Children’s Folk Activities Area, and Michigan Heritage Awards, honoring tradition-bearers in arts and culture.
RAL: What will attendees find for dining options?
SP: Michigan Traditions Foodways & Food Trucks will be on hand. Come and sample the unique, eclectic, local and artisanal products these vendors offer!
RAL: What is the environment like?
SP: Outdoor in downtown East Lansing, across from the campus of Michigan State University.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
SP: We estimate the average person spends $25+ on food, music, and T-shirts. Attendees are also spending on other downtown amenities, gas, and travel. Besides being attractive to visitors who book hotel rooms, eat in restaurant and shop local businesses, Great Lakes Folk Festival plays a role in economic development by improving the quality of life in Michigan, thus making the city attractive to businesses and new residents
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
SP: The event brings together diverse cultures and traditions that expands awareness of our collective cultural heritage.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
SP: The Great Lakes Folk Festival offers a one-of-a-kind mix of music and dance stages, demonstrations of traditional arts and storytelling, authentic food, an art marketplace, and many special activities for kids.
For more information about the Great Lakes Folk Festival, please visit their website.