Local Knowledge

February 5, 2010 6:54 AM

In 2000, the Library of Congress celebrated its 200th birthday by inviting representatives and members of the public from each of the 50 American states to nominate folk traditions, local customs, and special places to a "century's-end time capsule" called the Local Legacies Project. A nice little introductory catalog to points of local pride, like Fountain Green, Utah's Lamb Day, Oakland, CA's Black Cowboy Parade, Kentucky's Bourbon tradition, and Binghamton, NY's Spiedie Fest, and plenty more.

Via the American Folklife Center.

posted by Miko (7 comments total)

Every day in Fountain Green is Lamb Day.
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey at 7:03 AM on February 5, 2010

As a Utahn I can attest how delicious and awesome Lamb Day is. No comparison, east to west.
posted by timpanogos at 7:06 AM on February 5, 2010 [1 favorite]

As a former resident of Charleston, WV, I attended the Vandalia Gathering many times. This is always a joyful festival of mountain music, dancing, crafts and culture. One of the annual features is always the liar's storytelling contest.

When West Virginia separated from Virginia during the Civil War and became a state, there was debate about naming the new state Vandalia. The 2010 festival will be held at the capitol complex Cultural Center May 28-30.

Thank you for the post Miko.
posted by netbros at 7:18 AM on February 5, 2010 [2 favorites]

Attending this has been my dream since reading Misty of Chincoteague.
posted by sallybrown at 8:09 AM on February 5, 2010 [3 favorites]

Ladies and gentlemen, the Gillett Coon Supper.

Raccoons are quartered, washed, and soaked overnight in salt water, then boiled until tender.
posted by ormondsacker at 8:57 AM on February 5, 2010

aw. i was expecting the spiedie fest to include much more webslinging.
posted by sexyrobot at 10:20 AM on February 5, 2010

Thank you, Library of Congress. That institution really is a national treasure.
posted by bearwife at 10:33 AM on February 5, 2010