AUBURNDALE STAR - Thursday, March 19, 1992
Over 30,000 visit the Bluegrass Festival
By Bill Chestnut
Carl
Allen did it again... he put on a show that Auburndale will not forget
for many years to come. This was the 16th Annual Bluegrass
Festival and bluegrass lovers from around the country converged on the
city to fill up the city park.
There
were people from Canada, China, Australia, and Germany in attendance.
These people come to Auburndale to hear some good ole foot stompin'
music. This is a place where people can relax and enjoy themselves.
Many
people climbed up on the stage to do a little clogging as the bands
played some of their down home country music.
Clear
skies prevailed throughout the weekend for the outdoor festival. Festival
goers had their choice of foods including barbecue, hotdogs, sandwiches,
and ice cream. There were people on hand selling souvenirs, jewelry,
leather crafts, t-shirts and many other goods.
Bluegrass
bands took turns playing underneath the town's gazebo while fans sat
on lawn chairs they brought from home undeneath a huge yellow, blue
and white tent. Others spilled out into the grassy park.
The
Bluegrass Festival was started 16 years ago by Carl All!en, owner of
Allen's Historical Cafe in Auburndale, where bluegrass music is heard
every Thursday night.
The
bands that made up this great weekend festival were the Poley Creek
Bluegrass, Rambling Rose, Kentucky Sleepy Hollow, Flatland Bluegrass,
Dizzy Rambler Band, The Backyard Bluegrass, Canada Brothers, Lost River,
Deep South, The Prospectors, Oak Grove, Valley Bluegrass Boys, Southlan
Trio and Brothers of Faith, Daddy Max and the Leider Brothers and the
South Ocean String Band.
Others
that appeared were were the Bull Creek Band, Cedar Grove, Strings of
Yesteryear, White Sands Panhandle, and Joey Foley and Friends.
A Special Feeling
By Chris Frazier
The
annual Bluegrass Festival was held this past weekend here in Auburndale.
You may have noticed what appeared to be hundreds of RV's parked downtown
and people everywhere in cowboy boots and hats.
The
music filled the air as well as the smell of Elephant Ears, Waffle
Cones and Spicy Fries.
People
from all over the country gathered to hear countless performers and
there were impromptu jam sessions all over the grounds. Guitars, fiddles,
banjos and voices shared a common feeling between people who have never
seen each other before.
The
event which has been a tradition here for years, is attended by many
locals as well as travelers from as far away as Wyoming.
No major
problems were reported this year and everyone seemed to enjoy the music.
The place was packed and brings business to the local economy as well.
We welcome
the festival each year and hope residents will stop by and enjoy the
music and festivities next year.
There
truly is a special feeling in the air at this event and. music seems
to make people smile so freely.
Thanks
goes out to the City of Auburndale for hosting this event and we look
forward to next year. Get those lawn chairs ready.
There
were people from all walks of life watching and enjoying one of the
best Bluegrass Festivals in the state.
Carl
Allen, promoter of the event, says this is the largest Bluegrass Festival
in the state of Florida, and we believe him.