The loud drummers in the lawn around the fountain have been a big problem for a long time. The Folklife staff and board have been trying to find a way to control them for many years. They've tried designating an isolated location as "drum central" or some such, but the drummers won't cooperate -- they want to be in the center of the action.

As Don and others have suggested, do let the festival office know that you want them to do something about this or any other part of the festival. I can say from much experience that staff and board read all those comments and try to take most of them seriously (except maybe the ones about locking all the rest rooms!). You can get comment forms at all the Information tents, and at the "Festival Services" desk upstairs from the Food Circus. Or just write a letter or an e-mail. Doesn't have to be on an "official" comment form.