Rob McHale at Happy Valley Fiddler’s Convention

When was the last time you had the privilege of sitting on the banks of a mountain river with music echoing throughout the hills around you? Experience a perfect Labor Day Weekend on the banks of the Yadkin River surrounded by mountain music, dance, food and beautiful scenery. Gates open for primitive camping on Thursday, August 30, and festival music begins at 7:00 PM Friday, August 31 with stets by Pam and Brett Riggs, The Sunny Mountain Serenaders, and Jason Cade.

Saturday is packed with great entertainment, with music competition in 12 categories beginning at 10:00 AM.

The Youth Tent offers music performances all day long by some extremely talented youngsters, as well as performances by seasoned veterans. The Youth Tent activities will culminate mid-afternoon with a JAM camp and dance workshop.

Non-music and children’s activities include hayrides, storytelling, children’s crafts, rock stacking in the river.

I will be telling the ‘Tom Dooley Legend’ on Saturday night at sundown under low light at the grave of Laura Foster ( the girl Tom was hanged for murdering ) and playing a couple of relative songs from my ‘ Tom Dooley and Friends ‘ Album accompanied by my brother Pat on harmonica.

The weekend ends with a Sunday concert starting at 10:00 AM featuring an all-star lineup of folk, blues, gospel, old-time, Cajun and bluegrass musicians including the Kruger Brothers, The Harris Brothers, Strictly Clean and Decent, Irish folk music plus other performances and workshops. This fantastic weekend ends approximately 5:00 PM on Sunday.

So come for a day or camp for the weekend.

Admission is Friday $5, Saturday $10, Sunday $15, $25 for Weekend Pass, children under 16 free.

Directions and more details can be found at http://www.happyvalleyfiddlers.org/