KERRVILLE, Texas — Thousands of music fans, performers and vendors gathered at the Kerrville Folk Festival at Quiet Valley Ranch southwest of Kerrville, where attendees marked the annual event by reconnecting with friends, performing music and continuing traditions nearly a year after flooding affected parts of the Texas Hill Country.
The festival, held at Quiet Valley Ranch for more than 50 years, brings together singer-songwriters and audiences for performances, camping and community activities during its 18-day run.
Many attendees described the event as a place where they return each year to maintain friendships and participate in longstanding traditions.
Genie Hastings of Austin said she first attended the festival in 1978 and has continued returning over the years.
Greg Bruce and his wife operate a vendor booth at the festival, where they sell vintage clothing and handcrafted items. Bruce said returning each year allows them to reconnect with friends and meet new people.
Olive Clementine Massey, whose mother leads the festival’s trash and recycling crew, said volunteers who traveled to Kerrville to assist with flood recovery efforts last year later returned to attend the festival.
Festival traditions extend beyond the concert stage. Attendees participate in activities such as “Kerdi Gras,” a festival version of Mardi Gras that includes decorated golf carts, music and dancing in the campgrounds.
Hastings recalled witnessing a vehicle being swept away during flooding near Turtle Creek last year. She said the driver exited the water safely.
Several longtime attendees said they have watched younger festivalgoers grow up within the community. Gary Cross said he has attended the festival for 28 years and has seen children who once visited campsites become adult musicians.
Cross encouraged visitors to explore the campgrounds, where attendees gather to play music and share songs throughout the festival.
Aaron Potter of San Diego said he attends the festival to meet other songwriters and exchange ideas about music.
Bill Nash, who has attended since 1994, said he began playing music as a child and studied composition and orchestration. He said he continues to perform despite living with multiple sclerosis.
Elsewhere in the campground, Christy Atkinson of Franklin worked on a large sandcastle inspired by techniques she learned from her father. Atkinson said her background in performance art and circus entertainment contributed to her interest in the festival.
Musical performances continued on the festival’s main stage, where guitarist Yasmin Williams performed for attendees. Williams said artists including Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles influenced her musical development.
The festival marked its first edition since the July 4 floods that affected communities across the Hill Country. While attendees acknowledged last year’s events, many focused on music, friendships and traditions that have continued to bring people back to Quiet Valley Ranch each year.