Wow! I can't believe I've done it again. All the good intentions I've had to keep up this blog have just vanished. Hopefully, you will forgive and I will do better. Actually, it is often hard to find something to write about. Don't know why that is as I don't have much trouble having something to say when you guys call me on the phone. Maybe my issue is just not being disciplined enough to sit down and create something you would even be remotely interested in. But I will try. If you haven't seen the lineup for September, here it is. We will be putting the daily schedule together in a couple of weeks and you will have showtimes then. I hope you will be as excited as we are about the bands this year. THURSDAY'S lineup features the Gibson Brothers, Trinity River Band, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier and a new band - Mark Kuykendall, Bobby Hicks & Asheville Bluegrass. FRIDAY will offer up a big day of music with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Flatt Lonesome, Sideline, Steve Gulley & New Pinnacle and Chris Henry & Hardcore Grass. SATURDAY will be an exciting mix of bands featuring John Cowan with Darin & Brooke Aldridge, The Seldom Scene, Breaking Grass, Becky Buller and The Grascals. I hope this will whet your appetite for good music. So, make your plans to join us now. Give us a call (865-397-7942) for camping info. Currently the campground is full but we have started a waiting list and we are usually able to place everyone as there are always a few folks who find that they need to cancel due to various circumstances. We look forward to hearing from you with whatever questions you might have. Now onto other business. Here are a few photos of a few happenings since last September............

We attended the Palatka festival this year and saw a lot of our Dumplin Valley friends.

Got just enough snow this year.

Ran into Ted and Irene Lehmann at Palatka. Always good to see them.

In the off season we use the barn for important things like riding your bike when it's too wet outside.

While the destruction of the pool was going on Joe decided to get rid of some boulders.

After many years of enjoying it and 3 years of not using it, we decided enough was enough and filled in the pool. The grandkids will be getting a playground instead and we will gain some nice outdoor space for Papa & Grammy to use.

No pot of gold to be found anywhere!

I think this speaks for itself.

The annual Easter egg hunt was well attended.

We hid about 750 eggs.

Farmer Joe took the kids around the farm/campground after all the eggs were collected. Well............almost all the eggs were found.  Joe "found" a couple when he mowed.

It was a really good day for the hunt.  These 3 found a great spot to watch all the action.

Farmer Joe's best buddy loves that tractor.

Sophie (black dog) & Rufus (Lab) enjoying the weather.

2012 Festival Week..........It's Here!

It's that time of year again when music lovers of the bluegrass variety come together on the farm to celebrate, visit, attend shows maybe even participate in the numerous spontaneous jams. Although the bands won't be here until tomorrow, there are already many people here enjoying the laid back atmosphere leading up to the big events this weekend. Tonight is the kick-off potluck dinner which is always well attended by the campers already on site who will pick their favorite foods from the tables laden with the cuisine of their fellow bluegrassers. It's always a good time to meet and greet and spend a little time getting to know others who are here for the weekend. With the exception of the beans and cornbread provided by the hosts, the "menu" will be full of surprises.
We always love to hear from the folks who come from far and wide. Just how do they find us here in little ole Kodak which is often left off maps. Ah, but where there is a will there is a way and in this day and age it is usually via the internet. This year we have sold tickets to people traveling from Switzerland, UK, Netherlands, California, Texas and many states outside of the Southeast. I think we can safely say that bluegrass is a universal music appealing to a broad variety of people.
Many of our festivarians play instruments, some sing and some just play the radio. But they all have that one bluegrass thread in common. They all come together from their homes with their own particular taste in this music to create a living bluegrass quilt. We love getting to know them and enjoy having them visit our little part of the world.
The lineup is a great one with a few bands here for the first time in September. You are sure to find something you like on stage and hopefully something you like in the vendor row.
Some of our food vendors have been with us for several years. Try the brisket if you're looking for a great taste. A lady from Texas was so taken by it that she commented that it was the best she'd had since being home. And we all know how serious the Texans take their bar-b-que. Oh, the kettlecorn............yum! This year we have a big ice cream truck to satisfy your need for that sweet tooth. And there are also brats, etc. There are also vendors offering a fair range of items to purchase if you so desire. And one lady will be here to offer a chair massage for your tired neck and shoulders. You can try out our photo booth if you want to create your own souvenir photo.
The weatherman has issued a great forecast for the upcoming weekend so make plans to join us. We've got you covered with shade and protection from the elements with a covered performance area. So, plan on coming rain or shine.
Come on out and join us, your friends and your favorite bands for a great weekend. And for those of you who just have to watch football on Saturday, keep in mind that there are tons of folks out here in campers with TV's so you won't be left out.
We hope to see you soon here in Kodak.