Ballyhoo is just around the corner and preparing for it's 9th annual year of promoting fine art and cultural exchange. Presented by the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, Ballyhoo was created to enhance the interest and knowledge of cultural events while raising funds that are used to support the non-profit in their efforts to expand arts in coastal Alabama. Partnering with the Poarch Creek Pow Wow Club, Ballyhoo enhances the historical narrative and includes tribal dancers in traditional ceremonial regalia. Artists from all over the United States ranging in mediums, textiles, wood crafting, metal, and hand created items such as basket weaving, pottery, jewelry, and charcoal are found throughout the festival.
Family friendly, this event offers children's art in the "Kid's Korner," where volunteers from various artistic backgrounds assist children in creating their own works of art. Demonstrators can be found throughout the festival showcasing their abilities such as pine needle basket weaving, charcoal portrait painting, turkey calls made from "wish bones," and a variety of other things.
Art and traditional dance isn't the only thing you'll experience while at Ballyhoo. Festival goers will also enjoy live music and entertainment for all ages. Ballyhoo offers it's goers early American Appalachian music in the form of Fiddle / Banjo competitions, and has partnered with the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival and Flora Bama for additional entertainment. Several contests are offered to children and adults who wish to compete for various prize money amounts. Food is also on the menu while at Balllyhoo. Hand selected food vendors that are sure to please your pallet will be located throughout the area and promises to be unlike anything you'll find at other events.
Ballyhoo festival will be from March 4-5, 2023 at the Gulf State Park. Located at 20115 State Park Rd., Gulf Shores, AL. The site is located between the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and Lake Shelby in the newly renovated park adjacent to Perdido Beach Blvd. For more information you can visit them on the web www.ballyhoofestival.org
