‘Folkmoot’ for folk life, fine folks

Published 9:10 pm Tuesday, August 13, 2019

“Goin’ to Folkmoot?”

“Uh….”

The Brundidge Historical Society chose a word from Anglo-Saxon England for its “gathering” of all those who have participated in the historical group’s original folklife play, “Come Home, It’s Suppertime” from 2002-2019.

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A folkmoot is a gathering of people and the thought was that “folkmoot” sounds a little more interesting than “reunion.”

A reunion implies kin folks, fried chicken and casseroles, said Anne Register, BHS secretary. “A folkmoot sounds like fun.”

And fun “Folkmoot 200” will be. Musicians are asked to bring their instruments so there will be dancing, singing and “jawing” just more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

“This year, 2019, Alabama is celebrating its 200th year of statehood,” Register said. “Folkmoot 200 is a Brundidge Historical Society Alabama Bicentennial event. All who have been a part of Alabama’s Official Folk Life Play, “Come Home, It’s Suppertime” are invited to join us at beautiful Lake Simmie from 6 until 8-ish p.m. on Friday, August 23.”

Register said over its 17 years and counting, the Brundidge original folklife play has welcomed nearly 200 people into its folk family.

“In the beginning, a host of people, who believed in the idea of a folklife play, turned a burnout building into what is one of the most unique theaters anywhere,” said Lawrence Bowden, president of the BHS. “Storyteller Andy Offutt Irwin said the We Piddle Around Theater is what the Cracker Barrel tries to be. It’s real.”

“We invite all of those who had a part in bringing the theater to life and keeping it going –the cast, crew, musicians, artists, singers, directors, hostesses … bottlewashers, every member of our folklife family for the past 17 years to join us for Folkmoot 200.”

There will be several conflicts on the night of Folkmoot 200 — football jamborees and opening night at the Pike County Cattlemen’s rodeo.

“But if you can’t come and stay, come early or come late, we just hope you’ll come,” Bowden said.

It would help with the fixin’s if those who plan to come would call 808-4237 but it’s not necessary. Just come!