The 4th of July means you’ll be seeing those fabulous Festival for the Eno posters, as the West Point on the Eno city park in Durham once again hosts an event featuring creative people of all bents–musicians, storytellers, crafters, puppeteers and more. (See story on p. 35.) Always offering a great roster of local talent as well as attracting top-notch national acts, this year’s fest hosts a great variety of music: blues, Americana, jazz, old-time. You can also see belly dancing and the Paper Hand Puppet Intervention folks. As usual, the festival offers a variety of styles on their four musical stages–everyone from Balfa Toujours, (pictured), The Mighty Gospel Inspirations, Saffire: the Uppity Blues Women and the Amazing Rhythm Aces to John Dee Holeman and Trailer Bride. There’s a children’s area with special events, an international food court and nearly 100 local craft artists displaying their wares. The spoken word stage offers a chance to hear local authors read their works, or hear a staged reading of a new work by North Carolina playwright John Justice. There are also demonstrations ranging from quilting to Native American weaponry. Or, you can rent a raft or canoe and enjoy the river up close and personal. It all takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 30 and July 1, and Wednesday, July 4. And yes, volunteers are always needed. Call 477-4549 or visit festival@enoriver.org. —Angie Carlson
