Recordings of the 1973 Florida Folk Festival

General Note/Comment

• Six reel to reels. The reels are undated. For the first time, the festival was held in late summer instead of May. The official reason for the change was the Suwannee River, which flooded its banks in April and May 1973, rising 88 feet above sea level. But the date change was also undertaken to curb the number of college students that were flooding the festival grounds each spring. The previous year, between 60,000 to 100,000 attended the festival, as the festival became seen by many as the Florida Woodstock. Also in 1973, the festival was shortened to a mere two days, Friday (8/31) and Saturday (9/1). Check the festival programs located in S 1619 for other activities at the festival, and performers/programs not recorded. The festival began on Friday (31 August) morning at 10am and ran through Saturday (1 September) evening. Performers usually played sets between two and five songs each. Performances were presented in morning, afternoon, and evening programs. This was the 21st Florida Folk Festival.