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Kutztown Folk Festival Announces New Director, Fall Schedule of Events

by Kutztown University

Jul 07, 2021

Berks County native Heather Zimmerman has been named director of the Kutztown Folk Festival.

“We are thrilled that Heather accepted our offer to lead the Kutztown Folk Festival,” said Alex Ogeka, executive director of the Kutztown University Foundation. “I am confident that her strategic vision and strong local connections will help us take this event to the next level.”

Zimmerman was previously employed as the director of sales and operations for the Hampton Inn and Suites Kutztown, where she spearheaded all sales and marketing initiatives, developed partnerships with local businesses and planned events highlighting local artists and vendors.

Zimmerman graduated from Kutztown University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

“I am delighted to be part of the Kutztown Folk Festival, and I’m excited for its future,” Zimmerman said. “I look forward to working with the team, community, vendors, volunteers and sponsors who have made this festival a beloved event for years.”

The 72nd Annual Kutztown Folk Festival was held virtually through July 4. Visit https://www.facebook.com/kutztownfolkfestival/ for videos, recipes, artisan spotlights and more.

The Festival will host a series of smaller, in-person events this fall. A full schedule is available below.

About the Kutztown Folk Festival

The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America, drawing visitors from all over the world. The Kutztown Folk Festival features authentic folklife demonstrations; a wide variety of Pennsylvania Dutch food; over 200 nationally recognized, juried folk artists and traditional American artisans; over 2,500 locally handmade quilts on display and for sale; antiques and collectibles; six stages of entertainment; music and dancing; and a wide range of children’s activities. For more information, visit www.kutztownfestival.com

 

Kutztown Folk Festival – Fall Events Schedule
*Tickets available at www.kutztownfestival.com starting August 1*

Quilt Barn Store on Main Street

October 13-17

Open for in person sales and viewing. Storefront located on Main and Noble Streets in Kutztown.

 

Passport to Downtown Kutztown*

October 13-17

Visit select merchants downtown and have your passport stamped. Take to the Quilt Barn Store and submit your completed passport for a chance to win a quilt of your choice. Ticketed Event.

 

Farm to Table Dinner Event at Rodale Institute*

October 14, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Includes a wagon ride to the Garden Pavilion where Blue Mountain Vineyards will be hosting a wine tasting at 5pm. Stroll back to the Barn for dinner. Local artists and craftsmen will be available to demonstrate and sell their products. Complete with a take-home dessert and optional time at the fire pit. Ticketed Event.

 

Square Dancing on Main St.

October 15, 7-9 p.m.

Lester Miller and his family of square dancers along with Keith Brintzenhoff will entertain Friday. Visit local restaurants for dinner and enjoy a wine and beer garden on Main St. Enjoy some of your favorite Festival desserts.

 

Dutch Hex Sign Bike Tour*

October 16

DIY Bike Tour originating at the PA German Cultural Heritage Center includes a map of backroads you can ride and see the beautiful hex sign art. Swag Bag included. Ticketed Event.

 

Fall Day Fest

October 16

A mini-Folk Festival along Whiteoak and Main Streets, with craftsmen, artists, food vendors, and entertainment. Restaurants and downtown merchants will be open.

 

Art Studio Tour Sponsored by Kutztown Community Partnership*

October 17

 

Quilt Auction Preview Week

October 19-25

Located at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Kutztown. View a selection of quilts that will be available in our online quilt auction on October 25.

 

Online Quilt Auction

October 25

Our third online auction through Zettlemoyer Auction Co.

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