Sunday’s line-up includes performances by Richmond’s grand lady of traditional gospel, Maggie Ingram (pictured above) and the Ingramettes, the work songs of the Northern Neck Chantey singers and old-time dance music of the Whitetop Mountain Band. Maple syrup and apple cider makers will mingle with Virginia’s champion oyster shucker, and traditional musical instruments and hand-carved snake canes will be on display. If this isn’t already enough to tempt you to Charlottesville for the day, there will also be crafts and Brunswick Stew to enjoy at the free event.

So go. You’ll be glad you did. But whether or not you make the event this Sunday, this is an organization worth paying attention to as they quietly, but purposefully go about the business of protecting and propagating Virginia’s rich and varied folklife. Because what happens when we forget to hold on to our traditions? They disappear in the fray of modern life and we are poorer for it.