2019 marks the 45th continuous year of “Stokes Stomp Festival on the Dan”, the longest running North Carolina Arts and Music Festival held along the beautiful Dan River in Danbury. Stomp, the signature festival making the founding of local Stokes County Arts Council, is held each September on the second full weekend. Moratock Park, a unique county park in a bend of the Dan River having ties to Civil War time, is taken over by a stage, vendors and activities for as far as the eye can see.
This year’s festival will be a single day event featuring music, dance, clogging, and traditional music, Arts and Craft Vendors, food trucks, youth river activities, North Carolina Woodworkers Association interactive projects, annual Duck Race, Spark Fitness Endurance Challenge and more. Kick off your Saturday in Danbury with the towns annual Stomp Parade, ushering in the festival at 10:00am, following the parade vendors are open and the three area High School Bands kick off the entertainment lineup.
Music will fill the air with sounds of bluegrass, country, soul, and a little Americana, listen closely as bands get going, locals and those wishing to join in, will start to Stompin’ on the hardwood stage. Some say the festival picked up its name from this unique mix of flat foot dancing and clogging where dancers slide their feet heel to toe and stomp the ground as they move around the stage to each downbeat with the heel keeping rhythm.
On stage entertainment features Telluride Band Contest Finalist “One Fret Over” a bluegrass band from central North Carolina made up of teenagers who met at youth band camp in 2016, formed their quartet in early 2017 and have filled their schedule performing at local venues and festivals. The Old Dominion Cloggers representing the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia will showcase their footwork during bluegrass music sets. Dori Freeman of Galax, Virginia will take the stage featuring original music inspired by all veins of Americana – notably old Country and Blues. Dori draws heavily from her Traditional roots – juxtaposing her voice with modern, honest songwriting.
Between music sets attendees will be treated to sets of local dance performances from CC Dance Company and Miss Joyce Dance Studio, as well as students from the councils Junior Mountain Music Program. Molly McGinn, Laurelyn Dossett and friends will perform featuring acoustic and upbeat originals and the schedule concludes with The Allen Boys who pride themselves as being the only touring North Carolina Sacred Steel Band. Come on and STOMP with us on Saturday, September 14th from 9am – 7pm.
The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. Experience hiking trails, waterfalls, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and more. Enjoy a leisurely float down the Dan River by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or tube. www.hangingrock.com
