The Northern Appalachian Folk Festival, Inc. began 2025 with two significant losses: first with the passing of volunteer BethAnn Krug on January 1, and then with the January 3 the death of NAFF, Inc. Founder and primary benefactor, Dr. Jim Dougherty.
The board has met with community organizations to determine a path forward but, to date, no official decisions have been made.
We are pleased to announce that, thanks to the generosity of the Indiana County Endowment, NAFF, Inc. has received a grant which will allow us the opportunity to accomplish a portion of the Festival in 2025, including a juried art show, the annual fiddle/mandolin/banjo/guitar contest, the Storytellers & Liars contest, and the Walk of Fame ceremony, where we will honor Jim and BethAnn.
These events will occur the weekend after Labor Day on September 5 & 6, 2025. More details to come.
For now, all other Folk Festival events, including live performances on Philadelphia Street, Children’s Alley, and the arts, crafts, and food & beverage vendors will be suspended until we are able to determine NAFF, Inc.’s future.
The final class in Dana Driscoll’s Herbalism Series, “Crafting Herbal Sodas and Old Fashioned Root Beers,” will be held at the NAFF Center on Thursday, April 17th. Tickets are still available on our website.
The Wally Gingers Orchestra will return as our final Summer Concert In the Park, presented as part of the Westsylvania Jazz & Blues Festival on Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 2- 4pm.
More updates will be forthcoming as decisions are made for 2026. Any questions or comments can be emailed to Judy Holliday at judy@naffinc.org.
We truly appreciate your understanding and outstanding support.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Judy Holliday
NAFF, Inc. Vice President/Treasurer
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