GREENSBORO, N.C. — Downtown Greensboro is rocking this weekend as the North Carolina Folk Festival fills 12 blocks with music, food and thousands of people.
More than 100 musical acts are performing across downtown during the three-day festival, which organizers have spent more than a year planning.
The festival is also expected to generate a significant economic impact for Greensboro, Guilford County and North Carolina.
“This is a huge economic impact. It’s a cultural impact. It’s a party, but it brings over $10 million in economic impact in this three days to Greensboro, Guilford County and the state of North Carolina,” said Jodee Ruppel, executive director of the North Carolina Folk Festival.
Ruppel said the festival gives Greensboro an opportunity to showcase the city to visitors from across the region.
“We want to show off our assets here. Greensboro is so cool. We have people coming in from all over the state, all across the East Coast for this,” she said.
For downtown businesses, the crowds can translate into a busy weekend.
At Savor the Moment, owner Rebecca Dickens said the festival brings a noticeable boost in foot traffic.
“So we’re usually slam packed, line out the door, and it’s a good energy, good flow,” Dickens said.
While festivalgoers spend the weekend listening to music, dancing and enjoying the food, Greensboro police are also working behind the scenes to keep the crowds safe.
More than 50 officers are expected to patrol the festival area, with Greensboro police, fire and EMS working under a coordinated safety plan.
“We are prepared for anything that happens, especially when it comes to safety,” Greensboro police Sgt. Jason Randazzo said.
Police said their goal is to maintain a visible presence without disrupting the festival experience.
“We’d rather just blend in and everybody enjoy the event,” Randazzo said.
The North Carolina Folk Festival continues through the weekend, with performances and events taking place throughout downtown Greensboro.
Dining and Cooking