AN ACT to adopt folkmoot usa as north carolina's official international festival.

Whereas, Folkmoot USA is an annual international festival held in Western North Carolina by North Carolina International Folk Festival, Inc., to promote the cultural exchange of traditional dance and music; and
Whereas, the name "Folkmoot" is an old English word meaning "meeting of the people"; and
Whereas, the first Folkmoot festival was held in 1984 and has grown to one of the largest folk festivals of its kind; and
Whereas, most of Folkmoot's worldwide participants are not professional dancers and musicians, but ordinary people who are proud of their culture and enjoy sharing it with others; and
Whereas, these diverse, international performers wear native costumes, play unique instruments, and perform authentic folk dances; and
Whereas, over the years, 190 folk groups representing 95 countries have participated in Folkmoot; and
Whereas, Folkmoot has been named a "Top 20 Event in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society for 16 years, a 2003 "Top 100 Event in America" by the North American Bus Association, and one of North Carolina's "Most Outstanding Festivals"; and
Whereas, Folkmoot's 70,000 annual visitors come from more than 40 states and from more than half of North Carolina's cities and towns; and
Whereas, Folkmoot creates a positive economic impact of almost four million dollars in the State; and
Whereas, Folkmoot is a great cultural resource that provides entertainment and education and promotes tourism in North Carolina; and
Whereas, adopting Folkmoot USA as North Carolina's official international festival will enhance the exchange of international culture and increase tourism in North Carolina; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 145-19.  State International Festival.
Folkmoot USA is adopted as the official international festival of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  The title of Chapter 145 reads as rewritten:
"Chapter 145.
State Symbols and Other Official Adoptions."
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 3rd day of July, 2003.

	_____________________________________
		 Beverly E. Perdue
	 President of the Senate

	_____________________________________
		 James B. Black
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives

	_____________________________________
		 Michael F. Easley
	 Governor

Approved __________.m. this ______________ day of ___________________, 2003