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