Just a week ago, December 10th, two non-profits jointly purchased the 73-acre farm land that is the site of the Shakori Hills Music Festival. Also known as simply “Shakori” or “GrassRoots,” this four-day festival in Chatham County, NC takes place twice a year. Shakori brings together thousands of local people and beyond for several days of music, participatory dance, craft vendors, a kids’ area, delicious food vendors, a healing arts tent, a sustainability forum, and the beautiful Chatham County countryside.
“We have had two angel investors since we found this site in 2002,” explains Shakori Hills GrassRoots festival founder, Jordan Puryear. “They have generously held on to this land until we could grow, and until we were able to finally raise the necessary funds to purchase the site. We wouldn’t have done it without them, or the festival-goers that helped us raise the downpayment last year. It’s been such a great community effort – as they say, ‘It takes a village.’“
“We would love to build a permanent indoor dance pavilion so we can have more events throughout the year,” says Sara Waters, Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival Coordinator. “We will be able to include the community by adding more educational programs like camps and workshops, bringing local artists and educators in to share their talents. Now we can work on improving the property so that we can bring all of our dreams to life.”
Now that the amazing folks that run the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festivals own the grounds, the opportunities abound and people of the Triangle, Triad, and beyond can look forward to even more cultural arts offerings for our community to enjoy!