Annual bluegrass festival dates set

GEORGE - The fifth annual George, Washington Bluegrass Festival has been slated for Sept. 12-18 in the George city park.

"Right abouit the time the weather here moderates to a late summer sweetness, some fine pickin' begins to fill the air," said George community leader Debbi Kooy.

According to Kooy, the week will start with bluegrassers of all levels arriving and setting up camp. The jammin' will begin as soon as old friends and new acquaintances meet.

The musicians come from all over central Washington and the Northwest. They'll bring all-acoustic instruments such as fiddles, guitars, banjos, basses and mandolins plus occasional odd-balls.

Kooy noted bluegrass workshops are scheduled at the George Community Hall. They will be for beginners and advanced musicians, conducted by some of the most advanced pickers.

"There's always something new you can learn," Kooy said.

There will also be a kids jam. And new visitors are free to bring their instruments and join in. Camping is free.

Admission to the festival is free, and the public is welcome to visit with the goups that form and reform throughout each day. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

The weekend will include hot food from the George Community Hall kitchen Friday evening, Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning. There will also be farmers market vendors.

- Staff report