FloydFest becomes more family friendly

By Lindsey Henley
WSLS10 Reporter
Published: July 23, 2008

    FloydFest is known for what happens on the stage, but the playground?
    Kris Hodges is one of the festival’s main organizers.
    In the past, he says festivals like this one have gotten a bad rap.
    “A lot of them are considered a little wild for the college crowd.  That’s not what Floyd, Virginia or FloydFest stands for,“ Hodges said.
    So this year, organizers are changing things, and it starts with the new slogan.  It’s “FloydFest 7: A Family Affair.”         
    “One thing we’ve tried to establish here is that we’re very, very family friendly,“ he said.
    The new playground isn’t the only underage draw.
    “We have blow sticks, popcorn, jugglers, theatre, entertainment around the clock on the children’s stage, so it’s a very integral part of our festival.“
    When FloydFest first started seven years ago, it attracted 3,000 people.  This weekend, if the weather holds out, organizers are expecting 12,000, and they say that large of a crowd wouldn’t be possible without the family atmosphere.
    Keith and Barbara Bollman are happy with the change and are even considering bringing their kids along this weekend.
  “It’s a plus when your family can come along and enjoy the day with you,“ Keith Bollman said.
    It’s a FloydFest makeover organizers are hoping will make the weekend more attractive than ever.