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Time to Frolic: Kernersville's Spring Folly offers families activities to lift the spirits, much of it free
Journal Photo by David Rolfe
John Fulton sets up a game booth for the Spring Folly, sponsored by the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce.
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Published: May 1, 2009
Kernersville -- This week, workers have transformed the town's Main Street, setting up carnival rides and booths ready to sell lemonade and giant turkey legs.
But the economic woes plaguing the country are affecting small-town community festivals -- such as the 17th annual Spring Folly, which begins today and runs through Sunday -- just as they have interrupted daily business.
Officials with the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce say that despite the economy, they anticipate this weekend's festival to boost morale.
"From the chamber standpoint, when people are not feeling good, we can rebuild community spirit through the Spring Folly and other events,'' said Bruce Boyer, the chamber's chief executive and president. "We want people to feel good about Kernersville, and this is how we can do it."
Being host of the Spring Folly has been a challenge this year, Boyer said.
"It has been much harder to line up sponsors this year. We've had to adjust our expenses, but we've added some neat things, too," he said.
Although fewer major sponsors stepped up to contribute the $60,000 needed to put on the Folly, organizers made up the bulk of the shortfall with more bronze-level sponsors. The difference was a budget with $5,000 less than usual. Part of the proceeds earned from the Spring Folly go toward splitting the cost of the Fourth of July fireworks with the town, which typically runs about $7,000.
Boyer said that difficulty in procuring sponsors made officials believe that they would have difficulty recruiting vendors. Instead, Folly organizers have been surprised that they have booked the largest number of artisans and commercial vendors in recent history.
"For my $125 booth fee, I am getting my name out to the public, to a whole lot of people. I may not get as many pet sits booked, but I am exposed to the public," said Penny Everhart, the owner of Jake & Company Pet Sitters and a commercial vendor. "This is when the public comes to us."
Chamber officials took care in planning several free activities for children to help families on fixed budgets. The chamber became partners with such organizations as the Kernersville YMCA for free activities.
For example, at noon Saturday, a free Radio Disney show will be performed on the main stage. Children will be invited on stage. The show will feature popular songs from 'tween favorites: High School Musical III, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream. In conjunction with the show, a tent will be available for children to play free games and win prizes associated with the show.
Boyer said that the chamber had to get creative with planning, working out some new financial arrangements with vendors. And there are some new attractions, such as the Glitter Gulch mining company and a NASCAR simulator, in which the chamber will not have to pay any upfront fees but will share in the proceeds.
One casualty of the economy is the Kernersville Lions Club concession stand.
"People just are not able to contribute the (food) donations we've had in the past. We can't afford to lose money, and we didn't want to risk having to purchase the food," club President Betty McAdoo said.
The Lions Club uses its fundraising to provide eye tests and glasses for community children who are visually impaired and need financial help. The Spring Folly had been the organization's second-largest yearly fundraiser.
"It's just a byproduct of the time. It's not because people are not willing to give, this year they just don't have it," said Mike Lewis, a club member and former president. "We're terrifically disappointed."
The economic issues also led the chamber to find new options to bring in entertainers.
"One example of how we adjusted," Boyer said, "is that local churches came together to fund the Cindy Johnson concert that will take place at the main stage at 5 (on Saturday). She is a phenomenal singer. Since the churches worked together, we were able to get her to come."
Boyer said he hopes that people will enjoy the Spring Folly, the chamber's gift to the community to help people forget their troubles for a weekend.
Information about the Spring Folly can be found at www.kernersvillespringfolly.com.
■ Monica Young can be reached at cyoung9@triad.rr.com.
■ The Spring Folly grounds are on South Main Street at East Mountain Street. Folly hours are Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, at Harmon Park only, from 1 to 6 p.m.
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