61st ANNUAL FLORIDA FOLK FESTIVAL STARTS FRIDAY ~The Florida Folk Festival celebrates music, traditions and culture in White Springs~ Performers on the main stage at the Florida Folk Festival in White Springs. TALLAHASSEE –The 61st Annual Florida Folk Festival will be held Memorial Day weekend Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26 at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs. "Since 1953, folk artists have come together to celebrate Florida's rich arts, culture and history," said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. "This year's festival will feature the amazing talents of more than 300 musical acts. I'm excited to attend year after year with my family. There is always something new and different." This year’s entertainers include a variety of talented performers: Bellamy Brothers, Jim Stafford, Ben Prestage, Moors & McCumber, Florida Hall of Fame winner Frank Thomas, Passerine, Jubal’s Kin, The Currys, Ed Cotton, Mindy Simmons & the Hot Pockets, Bing Futch, Rachel Carrick, Montine Humphries, Doug Gauss and many more! This event will continue the grand tradition of celebrating Florida’s land, people and diverse cultural heritage. Folk artists and tradition-bearers presented each year in the Folklife Area reflect research and field documentation conducted by the Florida Department of State's Folklife Program. The Folklife Area celebrates the diverse cultures of the Lower St. Johns River Basin. Be sure to visit the Folklife Area to experience the compelling traditions and savor the flavors, sights and sounds of some of Florida's oldest and newest cultural communities. The Florida Folk Festival is proud to be a part of the Florida Department of State's VIVA Florida 500 campaign, which celebrates 500 years of Florida rich culture and history in 2013. Advance tickets for the Florida Folk Festival are $25.00 per day or $50.00 for the entire weekend for adults. Tickets bought at the festival gate are $30.00 per day or $60.00 for the entire weekend. Children under six years of age are admitted free of charge. Ticket prices for children between the ages of six and 16 for the entire weekend are $5.00. Tickets provided by Elevate Ticketing and can be purchased online or on the Facebook page. For more information, call 1-877-6FL-FOLK (1-877-635-3655) or visit Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park or the Florida Folk Festival.