Rain, Cold Don't Deter Die-Hard Bluegrass Fans

It rained. It was cold. But still they came, over from Kansas, down from Tennessee and up from around Macon. A little dampness didn’t stop die-hard bluegrass musicians and fans from enjoying the Second Annual Stone Mountain Bluegrass Festival.

“It would be more fun if it was warmer, but it’s still fun,” said Courtney Kotowski from Kennesaw, who was attending her first bluegrass festival. “This one makes me want to go to others.”

In between downpours, fiddlers and banjo pickers played on the street, and when it rained they huddled under awnings or played in shops.

“It’s a great opportunity for people who are dedicated to the music community and it shows folks that good ol’ fashioned family fun can still be found,” said Charlie Robinson, president of the Southeastern Bluegrass Association.

Most took refuge in ART Station, where bluegrass and old-time band contests were held throughout the afternoon. Blue Ridge Grass won first place in the bluegrass contest, and The Shrunken Heads took the old-time band category.

Guitar, fiddle and other workshops were held around town, and dancers polished their do-si-do at two afternoon class sessions.

“I’m thrilled how much variety they had, and all of it was focused on bluegrass,” said Gwen Lane, from Tennessee. She and her husband, Larry, came with their son, Kevin, who was doing a survey on bluegrass festivals for a thesis at East Tennessee State University.

"It was a well-organized event," Larry Lane said. "And everyone made us feel at home."