Celebrating 30 Years of Spring Folly Festivals
By Ashley Sinclair
Spring is in the air, and this year’s Spring Folly is right around the corner. One of the largest street festivals in the South, Spring Folly is in its 30th year, and can only be found in Kernersville, North Carolina on May 5th, 6th, and 7th. Here are some important details about this fun weekend we have planned.
The first annual Spring Folly was held during May of 1993 and was set to coincide with the Tour DuPont bicycle race. The following year, Kernersville was the starting point for the final leg of this international event, which was televised worldwide and seen by millions of viewers. In 1997, the Kernersville Spring Folly was named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by Southeast Tourism society.
Spring Folly will be open on Friday, May 5th from 6pm to 10pm. Commercial vendors will be lined up along East Mountain Street getting ready for a fun weekend and eager to meet potential customers. Arts and Crafts vendors will be lined up along North Main Street displaying their latest creations. These artists and local shops have invested hours of passion, skill, and time to present you with the best art Kernersville has to offer. There will be so many unique, handmade items that you should be prepared to leave with a souvenir!
On Saturday, May 6th Spring Folly will be open from 10am to 10pm and while you can expect the same vendors and music on two stages with lots of fair food; be prepared for so much more. We have activities for kids of all ages and interactive opportunities for them to enjoy. The ‘Classic Car Cruise-In’ will be held from 10am-3pm in the Town Hall lots. Cars from many different decades will be available to admire. There is always a chance that auto enthusiasts will be able to speak to the owners as well! This year will also feature a BMX Bike show at 4pm in the Town Hall lots beside the Chamber. This event is sure to bring back many memories, leave a smile on your face, and encourage new friendships within our community.
On the last day of the festival, Sunday May 7th, the schedule is from 1pm to 6pm with rides in Harmon Park. In previous years, there have been no vendors set up, however, we have heard your demand. Craft vendors will be present on this day at the Kernersville Museum. Roads in Downtown Kernersville will reopen for traffic.
Civic groups will be stationed along the main stage (located near the old Library parking lot) serving some of your favorite fair foods. Remember—all proceeds go right back into the Kernersville community! So, come hungry and leave happy! Stop by the Civic Organizations booths at the Main Stage for some mouthwatering, southern treats. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the great food and music at the old library parking lot which is also home to the main music stage.
Please visit our website, www.KernersvilleNC.com/spring-folly. There you will also find schedules of entertainment, attractions, concessions, exhibits and so much more.
If you miss this year’s Spring Folly, we will see you in 2024 on May 3rd, 4th, and 5th.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Ashley Sinclair at ashleysinclair@kernersvillenc.com or 336-993-4521.