(MURFREESBORO) A variety of folk music/dance troupes are in Murfreesboro visiting from Poland, France and Mexico this week, as part of the International FolkFest. Different performances have been taking place throughout the week, alongside local Cripple Creek Cloggers who are performing in shows with the visiting countries (June 6-9, 2023, scroll down for schedule information). 

This event began in 1967 at Kittrell Elementary School as a 4-H Club project created by local educator Steve Cates. Students learned about the history of this region while having fun doing Appalachian style square dancing. Cates' passion for local history and the ways of our forefathers' generations before us keep him still in the leadership role of the Cripple Creek Cloggers. 

According to the Cripple Creek Cloggers website, "The group is nationally known as Tennessee’s only authentic Appalachian Style Cloggers, offering a festive celebration in rhythm and dance! The group has received acclaim for its extraordinary performances throughout the United States, Europe, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean." And yes, they are world ambassadors for the Heart of Tennessee. They share this areas colorful history through music and square dancing around the world. 

International FolkFest - The visiting troupes are in town for the International Folkfest that has performances around the Rutherford County area June 6-9, 2023. This is a special FolkFest as it is the first one to take place since the pandemic began in 2019 and ended in 2022. 

Make it a point to attend the scheduled events and learn about this area's local history as well as the traditions of distant places. 

Our local Cripple Creek Cloggers will share the Appalachian style square dancing done by our forefathers. In the same way, visitors from Poland, France and Mexico will tell about their past. As you view the performances, it shows that our cultures and people are more similar than different. It promotes world peace through folkloric music and dance.

Big Show in Murfreesboro - The largest event takes place with two performances on Friday, June 9, 2023 in Murfreesboro at The Grove at Williamson Family Farm (3050 Wilkinson Pike). This location is an old family farm that's being preserved in a unique setting--across from the massive Avenue of Murfreesboro, surrounded by large developments and next to I-24. Once you're there, you'll feel that your adventure has taken you into the peaceful past. 

The first performance at The Grove at Williamson Family Farm is at 1:30PM and the swan song performance is at 6:30PM this coming Friday night (6/9/2023). 

Tickets to Murfreesboro Show - Tickets are available at a reduced rate if you purchase them on-line. Go to their website: https://authentictennessee.ticketspice.com/international-folk-fest-at-williamson-family-farm.  They are $17 per person ($15 per ticket and a $2 fee for internet processing). You can also get tickets at the door for both Murfreesboro grand performances. Those are $20 each. With both shows, children age 4 and younger are admitted free. 

International FolkFest Schedule 

Thursday, June 8, 2023 

Smyrna Public Library 
400 Enon Springs Road West
Smyrna, TN 37167
France 10:00 am
Free to the Public

Bell Buckle Banquet Hall
27 Railroad Sq.
Bell Buckle, TN 37020
6:00 PM (all groups)
Free to the public
Phone: (931) 389-0223

Friday, June 9, 2023 

The Grove at Williamson Family Farm
3050 Wilkinson Pike, Murfreesboro, TN
1:30 p.m. $15.00 (all groups)
6:30 p.m. $15.00 (all groups)
Phone: (615) 995-6682

Visit their website: https://www.mboro-international-folkfest.org/

Are You A Budding Cripple Creek Clogger? When the current travel-dance-season ends, the Cripple Creek Cloggers will again offer free Sunday afternoon dance lessons at the Smyrna Senior Citizens Center.  That’s a great way to get exercise while determining if you want to explore the world as a Cripple Creek Clogger.

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