"Raise the Roof" festival background
Historic Walnut Grove Farm will feature regional musicians and artists during the Knox County Scenic Drive, October 1 & 2, 8 & 9. The “Raise the Roof” festival celebrates the new roof on the farm’s main barn during the 40th anniversary of the Knox County Scenic Drive, with on-going musical performances as well as artisan demonstrations on all four days of this traditional family event. The farm, an official stop on the Knox County Scenic Drive, is located ½ mile north of Knoxville, IL.
Walnut Grove Farm will showcase regional music with on-going performances during the “Raise the Roof Festival” with donations going to help defray the expense of the new roof. Plein Air artists will be working on location in conjunction with the Galesburg Civic Art Center’s fall schedule. The Knox County Scenic Drive is a self-guided fall foliage tour that has become a family tradition for thousands. The Drive began as a way to preserve and showcase the historic sites in the County and today provides old time family fun with demonstrations of traditional crafts and work skills. The event at Walnut Grove Farm has evolved to include fine art, local foods, and a variety of acoustic music styles.
Musical performers will include regional favorites: Barry Cloyd, Jansson 5, Paul Hamilton, Almost Live, Jared Lacy, Any Olde Tyme, Jason Carl and the Whole Damn Band, Bill Kuhn, Jara Faragpanahi, Hammer & Pick, Eric and Zack. Parking donations help “Raise the Roof.”
Walnut Grove Farm, born of the prairie in the 1830’s, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Its preservation goal is exemplified with activities during the Drive that give families a glimpse of the past. Over 30 juried artisans make and sell their wares. Woodworkers, potters, basket makers, weavers, photographers, metal workers, spinners, jewelers, fiber artists, painters, herbalists demonstrate how they can turn their age-old skills into items that have significance today. Taste open kettle stew, locally grown popcorn, aronia berry treats, gourmet chocolates and coffee products while listening to traditional string band music. Kid fun includes farm animals and carriage rides.
Show coordinator, Jan King states, “Showing off the new roof with great music, great art, great food,farm produce and family fun is a perfect fall combo!"