Waldensian Festival

On the second Saturday of each August, Valdese holds a festival to celebrate the "Glorious Return" of the return of the Waldenses from exile in Switzerland to their native valleys in the Cottian Alps of Italy in 1689. This celebration is mirrored around the world by other Waldensian communities. Valdese held its first festival in 1976. 

Thank you for your interest in the 33rd Annual Waldensian Festival in Valdese, NC on Saturday, August 9, 2008. The Town of Valdese and The Historic Valdese Foundation look to improve the Waldensian Festival this year and make it one of the best festivals in the state of North Carolina. We feel your contribution will help achieve this high standard. The 2008 Waldensian Festival will concentrate on unique crafts, great food, and top-quality entertainment. To achieve this goal, the committee has researched wonderful artists, food venders, and entertainers from around the country. Picking people that would come together to make an unforgettable festival. Your participation will certainly heighten our level of expectation. We hope you can join us for this incredible weekend event. When filling out the application, please give thorough information concerning your exhibit to help in reserving your space (a picture of the exhibit or items being sold would be a wonderful addition). Food vendors will be sectioned in one distinct area and will be provided picnic areas to attract more customers. 

Please return the Waldensian Festival application by June 1st and the festival committee will notify you by June 30th on whether your application has been accepted or denied. After your application has been accepted you will be asked to mail $70.00 for each 10’ x 20’ exhibit space and an extra $10.00 if you require electricity (NOTE: 110 volt / 20 Amp power is available in some locations and special needs may be met on an individual basis. If your application fails to note that power is needed, the festival committee will not be responsible if you are placed where power is unavailable).  

There are limited spaces, so get you’re application in as soon as possible. Thank you again for your interest and the town looks forward to helping you present your fantastic foods and crafts to the wonderful community of Valdese. For further information call 828-879-2129.

Click here for a vendor application (pdf format)

Click here for Footrace Application.html

Please contact our Tourism Director, Barbara Hefner, anytime with questions about any facet of visiting Valdese. Phone 828.879.2126 or e-mail at bhefner@ci.valdese.nc.us.