For 35 years the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has presented well over a hundred programs focused on the traditional cultures of nations, regions, states, and communities, as well as on various occupations and themes. Never before has a Festival been devoted to one topic; never before has a Festival offered such research, conceptual, and logistical challenges. Producing The Silk Road for the 2002 Smithsonian Folklife Festival has stretched our thinking, our professional abilities, and our relationships with collaborating organizations. This has been a daunting but exhilarating effort, and one well worth doing in the hopes of benefitting both