SALISBURY - The Maryland Folk Festival made it's return to downtown Salisbury after being temporarily halted by Tropical Storm Ophelia's arrival. Despite the heavy rain and winds, cancelling Saturday's activities -- the festival bounced back with plenty of music, food, and crafts on Sunday.
Joan Helena, ceramic painter at the festival, says you can't flood the spirit of the Eastern Shore.
“It can be disappointing, but we’re here today, we were here friday, and the best thing to do is to just keep moving forward. Beer, crabs, corn and the people are friendly – everybody is your neighbor and it’s just always a wonderful place to be.” said Helena.
Brad Miller and his wife, who made the trip down from Pennsylvania for the festival was relieved he still got to enjoy it --
"We knew the weather was going to be rough this weekend, but we wanted to get down here and visit anyway, so we're fortunate it cleared up for today." said Miller
Although the rain caused setbacks this weekend, Salisbury aims to establish the Maryland Folk Festival as a yearly Eastern Shore tradition - continuing the spirit of the National Folk Festival.
Artists like John Iampiri, who displayed his painted screens, says the festival is a perfect way to connect communities and local artists.
“It should be kept alive, the national folk festival was incredible, and this is an incredible stepping stone to help keep it alive again.” said Iampiri.