The annual smorgasbord of art, dance, music and stage began this week with the start of An Appalachian Summer Festival, 2011. It's one of the country's largest regional arts festivals, attracting more than 26,000 people to its schedule of events. This season shouldn't be any less popular, or less educational.

In keeping with its status as a university-based arts program, the festival continually seeks to enlighten and educate—a focus reflected in such initiatives as the festival's discounts for children's tickets and community outreach programs, in which young people are exposed to performances, demonstrations and presentations by artists in partnership with area schools.

WFDD 88.5, an NPR station in Winston, recently focused on this year's festival. It's rare for a small community like the High Country to have a metropolitan-scale arts festival.

“We always try to create a diverse lineup under the key genres of dance, theatre, visual arts and film. I think this year we have gone inside those genres and tried to create something for everyone,” Megan Stage, marketing manager, said. “Whether you are interested in bluegrass or symphonies, there is something for the young and old. I’m excited. This is going to be a great summer.”