As has been true for over a quarter century, the third weekend of May means it’s time for the Logan County Bluegrass Music Festival at McCutchen-Coke Park in Auburn.
All week, Bluegrass musicians and fans have been coming into Auburn to stake their claims on camp sites and to enjoy impromptu jams around the park.
Undoubtedly, they have been remembering Otis Bilbrey, who founded what was long known as the Logan County Bluegrass Jam and then kept it going for over 20 years. Mr. Bilbrey died earlier this year.
The music festival officially begins today at 5 p.m. with music on stage for several hours. Admission and parking are free. The featured performer will be a star of the Cumberland Highlander show on RFD-TV, Kody Norris, who plays Bluegrass music all over the world, according to festival organizer James Dulworth.
Also on the Friday lineup are Almost Bluegrass and Higher Ground.
Then on Saturday, bands include The Cansler Family Band, Almost Bluegrass, The South Union Band, The Logan County Bluegrass Boys, Higher Ground, and the Ridgetop Ramblers.
Barry Silvey, Dusty Oliver, Tyler Davenport, Travis Stuart, Steve Metzger comprise the Logan County group.
Things get started at 10 a.m. Saturday with an open stage. Music will be on stage in the pavilion until late in the evening. Because of the shelter, the event will go on regardless of the weather, Dulworth says.
A highlight of this year’s festival, will be an all-day Vendor Event in the outfield of the baseball field, which is lighted. At last count, 40 or more vendors will have specialized items for sale from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Again there is no charge for people to visit the booths, even if they are not necessarily bluegrass enthusiasts.
Among the vendors will be Allie’s Arts & Crafts, Allie Robertson; Prints, Sonny Greene; Avon, LaMona Ferguson; Breads by Kris, Kris Partlow; Freedom Runs, Meagan Statton; It Works, Gina Orner; Just Sew, SueEllen Ramsey; Kessler’s Woodworking, Sam Kessler; Linda’s DeZigns, Linda Martin; Mary Kay, Jan Gilliam Mills; Origami Owl, Jessica Aldridge; Pampered Chef, Linda Harlan; Premier Design Jewelry, Robin Huddleston; Rind City, Kristen Martin; Scentsy, Renee Shoemake; Sisel, Steve Wilson; Saps by Anne, Anne Ostler; Southern Rustic Décor, Tim & Amy Hankins; Sweet Caroline’s Boutique, Bobby Grayson, ThirdWheel6, Jennifer Blake; Thirty-One, Amanda Butler; Trinkets & Treasures- Paparazzi; Tupperware, SueEllen Ramsey; The Wood Chuck, Charles Smith.
Additionally, the Logan County Humane Society will have a booth. Chairman Renee Chick Shoemake says this will be a dropoff spot for donations. She says, “We will be passing out educational information regarding spay/neuter, adoption, etc. Also, showcasing a couple of adoptable dogs. People can bring monetary donations, dry dog/cat food, animal toys/treats, large dog collars/leashes, cleaning supplies, etc.”