Banjo Contest

The Florida Banjo Society along with the Florida Folk Festival will host an old-time banjo contest again this year. The competition will be judged by a talented slate of judges. The contest is open to old-time banjo playing styles. Oldtime banjo in this context refers to styles predating bluegrass played on 5 string banjos. Categories are: Novice, Journeyman and Senior Honors. Registration begins Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Under the Oaks Stage which is the venue for the contest. Contestants must hold a valid festival pass and pay a $10 registration fee. Entrants will play two tunes. Contact the Florida Banjo Society for additional information. Prizes to be announced.

The Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization, Inc . (501(c)3) is seeking funds to protect, preserve and restore the historic cultural resources of Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park’ s beautiful Tubular Bell Carillon.

In the summer of 2017, the Carillon Tower sustained electrical damage in a storm. The bells were silent until the Stephen Foster Citizens Support Organization stepped in to fund repair of the bells. The Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization and the park diligently researched and sought proposals to repair the carillon and to make the bells ring clear again. They found the Verdin Company, who have been creating and repairing bells and carillons for over 170 years.

The 97-bell carillon, one of the largest musical instruments ever produced in the Western Hemisphere, and the world’s largest tubular carillon in number of bells, was installed during the summer of 1958. It was built by the carillon division of J.C. D eagan, Inc., Chicago. More than a year was required by Deagan craftsman to build the huge set of bells, the greatest single manufacturing project in the firm’s 78 - year history of originating and producing a variety of percussive musical instruments well-known throughout the world.

The Restoration will have multiple phases and as a registered historic site we want to make sure the extensive repairs receive the attention to detail they need. Phase One of the project is underway and we are working to complete an extensive service and repair to all 97-tubular bell strikers, relay panels, control clock and the roll player.

The Stephen Foster CSO has received a special category grant from the Florida Department of State to begin the next phase of restoration this year. The $300,000 granted the organization along with your contributions to date will fund the restoration of one of the three sets of bells and make the carillon operational again.

With your generous support and tax-deductible contribution, we hope to continue the necessary restoration of the final two sets of bells for this great community icon. Donations for the Restoration Fund can be made online at www.StephenFosterCSO.org/Donate or by mail.

Our deepest gratitude,

The Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization, Inc.