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54th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival Takes Center Stage

By Dan Wing 

SCHWENKSVILLE, P.A. (CBS) -- Just like the abundance of sunshine, there was an over-abundance of smiles everywhere you looked as thousands of people staked out their spots on the Old Pool Farm to watch the bands perform. In addition to the good vibes, for people like Karen, the biggest draw to the festival  is still the relaxing music on stage.

"Just an amazing variety of music, and not only people you know, but people who you don't know, which is what we come for," Karen said.

Things got underway Thursday night with the opening acts. Michelle is a 34 year veteran of the Festival, who says she first started coming as a teen, and now she's coming with her teenage daughter.

So what keeps drawing her back year after year?

"It is like a big family," Karen said. "Everyone takes care of everybody, and everyone is just here to have a good time, and help one another, and it's just good, positive stuff."

Day passes to the festival are available, and parking is free. In addition to the musical acts, there is a wide variety of foods, crafts for sale, and tons of activities for the kids.

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