The 2008 Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio

The 37th Annual Texas Folklife Festival is in San Antonio, Texas from June 13-15, 2008. This event is meant to bring together the many different cultures of the world so that those from other cultures may have their eyes opened to music, dance, and foods that they may never have otherwise experienced. The festival is held at the University of Texas San Antonio's Institute of Texan Cultures in downtown San Antonio's HemisFair Park.

The purpose of the festival is to allow people from different backgrounds into many beliefs, practices, recipes, etc. so that this information can be passed on to later generations. This also enables people to be better able to accept the differences in people that come from a totally different background.

Some of the things that visitors to the Texas Folklife Festival can expect to possibly experience are learning to make pickles, wine, and preserves. One can also try traditional dishes like a Polish dish called a pierogi or Alsatian's parisa on a cracker. One can learn how to clog or how people used to cook using a Dutch oven. People can enjoy over 150 different types of ethnic foods or ride the carnival rides.

Visitors are unable to bring in coolers or alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks and water are for sale at concession stands within the festival. Food and beverages are purchased with coupons at the festival at a cost of $ .50 each. Booths for coupon sales are located throughout the festival grounds and some booths accept credit cards with a $20 minimum purchase.

The festival hours are Friday, June 13 from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, June 15 from Noon - 7 p.m. Admission prices are Adults (ages 13 and up) - $12 at the gate, Children (6-12) - $6 at the gate, and Children 5 and under are free. Discount Advance Ticket Prices allow visitors to purchase tickets in advance and save $2 off the regular price of adult admission. There is also a three-day ticket available for $25, which may only be purchased online. Discount Advance tickets can be purchased from May 1 through June 15 except where it is indicated. They may be purchased at the following locations: Online through June 1, All H-E-B stores, Fort Sam Houston - Building 1395, Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases - Tickets and Tours Offices, UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures - During regular operating hours through June 8, UTSA's University Center or at Fiscal Services Offices at the 1604, and Downtown campuses through June 14, by phone by calling 210-458-2259 or toll-free at 1-800-776-7651 (May 1-June 1) or by fax at 210-458-2366 (May 1-June 1) .

There is no parking available on the grounds that surround the Institute for Texan Cultures. There are options available in surrounding areas that offer parking. Some people may opt for using a Park & Ride station. The VIA stations that will offer service to the Texas Folklife Festival are Randolph Park & Ride (IH-35 & Randolph Blvd.), Blossom Athletic Center (12002 Jones Maltsberger Road), Crossroads Park & Ride (NW Loop 410 & IH 10W, east of Mall), and

South Central Transit Center (IH-35 & Zarzamora). Full fare for this service is $6, half fare is $3, and streetcar service is $1, per person. For more information on VIA Transit Service, please contact them at 210-362-2020, or visit www.viainfo.net