Since around 1981, Big Ridge State Park has been bringing the hills of Union and Anderson County fiddlers and banjo pickers for many ears to hear.
As you might have guessed, it is time for the annual Big Ridge Bluegrass Festival. Every year, usually on the third Friday of August families gather in the “Cradle of Country Music” to hear just a piece of the great talent that our community has been blessed with.
For my family, this was always an event marked on the calendar for months. Whether we were sitting around family members and enjoying the music or behind a booth raising money for the local FFA chapter this festival was always a treat.
Josh Powell, a Park Ranger at Big Ridge State Park, volunteered at the festival last August and is now coordinating this year’s event.
“This will be my first year in charge of the festival and I have had a great time reaching out and meeting incredible members of our community,” said Powell. “What I am most excited about is seeing everyone come together to celebrate Tennessee’s culture with Tennessee’s finest people!”
The evening entertainment will begin at 6:00 and end at 10 o’clock on Friday, August 19 with different entertainers making their way to the stage every thirty minutes.
6:00-6:30 Norris Freeway
6:30-7:00 Just South of heaven
7:00-7:30 The County Line
7:30-8:15 The Tenos
8:15-9:00 John Alvis
9:00-9:45 Gospel Strings
As families arrive at the park, they will want to check out the various art vendors that will be set up this year or even take a look at the park office as they will be keeping it open during the festival.
After picking up some neat items from local crafters and planning your next stay at the park or even getting a boat dock schedule, visitors will not want to miss out on the delicious food that Gipps Mill and Hog Heaven have to offer.
Once you are ready to set down and enjoy the show, make sure you get a refreshing lemonade or shaved ice.
“The Community can help the event succeed by supporting the local vendors, cheering on the performers who came out to play, carpooling to be courteous of the limited parking and following park safety rules,” said Powell.
For more information about the Big Ridge Bluegrass Festival, community members can contact the state park office at (865) 992-5523 or message their Facebook page.