Bluegrass will reign at FarmPark

Music shows featuring more than 12 acts run Thursday through Saturday.

This will certainly be one to remember as it will mark the last North Carolina performance by nationally acclaimed bluegrass band Cherryholmes before the group dissolves later this year.

Cherryholmes stormed to the top of the music charts since winning the 2005 International Bluegrass Music Association Award for Entertainer of the Year. Many awards have followed.

“I know that will be a big draw,” said Karen Loflin Miller, general manager of the FarmPark. “At the time we were booking them, we didn't know they would announce they would be disbanding.”

Miller's family has owned the FarmPark for over 40 years offering family entertainment like the Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Bluegrass Festival, Southeast Old Threshers' Reunion, FarmPark Bluegrass Festival and the Christmas Country Train.

The festival actually began for the diehards Wednesday evening with a barbecued chicken meal and open stage featuring regional and local acts performing.

The national acts begin performing at noon Thursday with Donna Hughes. Don't fret if you missed it. She will perform again at 5 p.m.

Other performers Thursday are: Josh Williams Band at 1 and 6 p.m., Marshville Brigade at 2 and 7 p.m., Russell Moore and IIIrd Time Out at 3 and 8 p.m. and Dailey & Vincent at 9 p.m. only for a 90-minute show.
Friday performances are Darrin & Brook Aldridge at noon and 6 p.m., Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers at 1 and 7 p.m., Cherryholmes at 2 and 8 p.m., Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver at 3 and 9 p.m. and Goldwing Express at 4 and 10 p.m.

On Saturday, Little Roy & Lizzie will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Sierra Hull at 12:20 and 6:50 p.m., New Found Road at 1:10 and 7:40 p.m., Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver at 2 and 8:30 p.m., Gibson Brothers at 3:10 and 9:40 p.m. and Joe Diffie and New Found Road at 4 and 10:30 p.m.

Tickets at the gate are $85 for three days, $65 for two days or $35 for one day. Children 14 or younger enter free with a parent. Children 15 to 17 will pay half the admission price if with a parent.

Anyone can take advantage of a special after 5 p.m. price of $20 on any festival day, Miller said.
Miller said having the Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Bluegrass Festival for 31 years is special because the event is very family-oriented and quality entertainment.

“It's unique in this county because we have a place that can host national acts and it be a good, family, traditional event,” Miller said. “We are family owned and try to supply family entertainment.”

Besides the nonstop bluegrass performances, the event will also feature a free children's play area with inflatables and pony rides from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Also, train rides on the park's full-size steam train will be given for $5 for adults and $4 for children before the entertainment begins from 11 a.m. to noon and during the supper break from 5 to 6 p.m. daily on the 11⁄2-mile track. Preschool-age children can ride for free.