GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2003

 

 

SESSION LAW 2003-315

SENATE BILL 840

 

 

AN ACT to adopt folkmoot usa as north carolina's official international festival.

 

Whereas, Folkmoot USA is an annual international festival held in Western North Carolina by North Carolina International Folk Festival, Inc., to promote the cultural exchange of traditional dance and music; and

Whereas, the name "Folkmoot" is an old English word meaning "meeting of the people"; and

Whereas, the first Folkmoot festival was held in 1984 and has grown to one of the largest folk festivals of its kind; and

Whereas, most of Folkmoot's worldwide participants are not professional dancers and musicians, but ordinary people who are proud of their culture and enjoy sharing it with others; and

Whereas, these diverse, international performers wear native costumes, play unique instruments, and perform authentic folk dances; and

Whereas, over the years, 190 folk groups representing 95 countries have participated in Folkmoot; and

Whereas, Folkmoot has been named a "Top 20 Event in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society for 16 years, a 2003 "Top 100 Event in America" by the North American Bus Association, and one of North Carolina's "Most Outstanding Festivals"; and

Whereas, Folkmoot's 70,000 annual visitors come from more than 40 states and from more than half of North Carolina's cities and towns; and

Whereas, Folkmoot creates a positive economic impact of almost four million dollars in the State; and

Whereas, Folkmoot is a great cultural resource that provides entertainment and education and promotes tourism in North Carolina; and

Whereas, adopting Folkmoot USA as North Carolina's official international festival will enhance the exchange of international culture and increase tourism in North Carolina; Now, therefore,

 

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 145-19.  State International Festival.

Folkmoot USA is adopted as the official international festival of the State of North Carolina."

SECTION 2.  The title of Chapter 145 reads as rewritten:

"Chapter 145.

State Flower, Bird, Tree, Shell, Mammal, Fish, Insect, Stone, Reptile and Rock, Beverage, Historical Boat, Language, Dog, Military Academy, Tartan, Watermelon Festival, Symbols and Other Official Adoptions."

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 3rd day of July, 2003.

 

 

                                                                    s/ Beverly E. Perdue

                                                                         President of the Senate

 

 

                                                                    s/ James B. Black

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

 

                                                                    s/ Michael F. Easley

                                                                         Governor

 

 

Approved 11:30 a.m. this 10th day of July, 2003