Shaquita Chapman, with the National Folk Festival, spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson during its August 25, 2026, meeting. Chapman informed club members about the festival, ways to volunteer and the history of it. First presented in St. Louis in 1934, the National Folk Festival is the flagship event of the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA). The festival celebrates the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the first event of national stature to present the artistic traditions of all Americans on equal footing. It was also the first to present to the public musical forms such as the blues, Cajun music, polka, Tex-Mex conjunto, Peking Opera, and many others. The festival will be held in Jackson November 13-15, 2026. Shown from left to right, Club President Suzy Tubb, Chapman, and Club Secretary Bruce Deer
