Lots of new things at this year's festival, both for flip floppers and the general public.

NEW THIS YEAR
  • Flip Flop Festival Quest - with Cash prizes. Get 14 stamps from merchants representing the states of the A.T. Along the way, learn fun facts about flip floppers and the A.T. in each state.
  • Private Pack Shakedowns - by advance appointment (Friday afternoon)
  • Craft Beer and Food Tasting at the Gazebo - a charming little spot on the hill between ATC and the historic town.
  • Farmers Market - In Bolivar, about a block from the Teahorse Hostel (Saturday morning/afternoon)
  • REI Workshops - Knot Tying, Gear Repair, and how to make camp coffee (Saturday afternoon)
  • Climbing Wall - Courtesy of River & Trail Outfitters (Saturday afternoon)
  • REI Storytelling Panel - including 2017 Flip floppers "Greeter" and "Spice" and REI staff. (Saturday afternoon)
  • Celebration of Flip Floppers - with photo booth and music. It's a reunion for former flip floppers and flip-floppers in progress, a chance for current flip floppers to meet each other and previous flip floppers, and a fun time for anyone who wants to meet flip floppers and other A.T. enthusiasts (Saturday evening)
  • Bike ride on the C&O Towpath (Sunday afternoon)


REPEAT
  • Backpacking workshops (Saturday)
  • Local Vendors and Food (Saturday)
  • Workshops on Harpers Ferry outdoor pursuits and history (Saturday and Sunday)
  • Pack Shakedowns (Saturday and Sunday)
  • Pancake Breakfast (Sunday morning)
  • Flip Flopper Send-Off (Sunday morning)
  • Ranger-led African American History Hike (Sunday afternoon)
  • 2nd Flip Flopper Send Off (Monday morning)


The new Flip Flop Festival website has all the details: www.flipflopfestival.org

This year, the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Trail & Town Alliance has stepped up in a big way to take the lead on the festival, primarily in the form of Harpers Ferry A.T. Ambassador James Smyle, a 2016 flip flopper (and 1993 nobo). Mona Lisa, a 2017 flip flopper, has also helped a lot, especially in planning the Celebration of Flip Floppers.

It's going to be a great family-friendly event, with something for everyone. The festival is free (except for the beer garden/food tasting)

Laurie P.
ATC