Each year, folk dancers and musicians travel from countries around the world to attend the Springville World Folkfest, which has grown to become one of the largest festivals of folk dance and music in the United States. And, each year a select group of musicians and dancers present a free, private performance for the participants of TURN Community Services at a park in Orem.
TURN Community Services provides services for individuals with disabilities statewide to be able to “live and be part of the community.”
Now in its 39th year, the World Folkfest brings the color and excitement of traditional folk dance and music from around the world to Springville during the annual World Folkfest that is at the end of July and beginning of August each year. The festival features approximately 250 performers from 10 countries, dressed in the brilliantly colored costumes of their native lands. Each dance group also brings a small group of musicians to provide live music for the dancing. All performers stay at volunteer host homes in Utah County, resulting in a wonderful shared, cultural experience for both performers and local residents.
For over 15 years, TURN Community Services has welcomed performers from the Folkfest as they gift us with a private outdoor performance. It is a joyous occasion for dancers, musicians, and the TURN participants as they all look forward to celebrating, dancing together, and sharing gifts.
This year, 32 musicians and dancers from Poland will perform for TURN at the north pavilion in Sharon Park, 300 E. 600 N., Orem, on Thursday, July 31st, from 11am to 12:30pm. About 150 people with disabilities who participate in TURN services will attend and dance and exchange gifts with their new friends from across the globe! TURN appreciates the organizers of the Springville World Folkfest and all the performers who share their talents with us, and who are gracious recipients of the love and gifts shared by our program participants!
TURN Community Services is a Utah non-profit organization founded by parents in 1973 to create alternatives to institutions for their children and other family members with disabilities. In 52 years, TURN has grown to serve over 770 individuals in 19 Utah counties, offering a full range of residential services, day programs and art centers, employment and vocational training, summer camps, family support, and respite services.
“The World Folkfest Comes to TURN” was at Sharon Park (the large north pavilion), 300 E. 600 N. Orem, July 31, 2025, For more information on how to get involved next time, contact Alyssa DeHart, TURN’s Director of Development and Communication, 361-944-1745, or alyssadehart@turndreams.org.
Submitted by Dave Hennessey
