BLUEGRASS FROM
THE FOREST
tasting, vendors and the famous Chick Rose School of Bluegrass for the children. The popular country dance and midnight hot dogs will also feature a square dance complete with callers and dance teachers. These events will be hosted in a 40' x 60' tent and some chairs will be available, but organizers ask that attendees BYOC (bring your own chairs) or blankets. For more information and to purchase tickets visit bluegrassfromtheforest.com or kristmastownkiwanis.org
IS BACK! JULY 29-31
Bluegrass fans have reason to celebrate and tune their basses! Kristmas Town Kiwanis’ Bluegrass from the Forest is returning once again as an outdoor festival – July 29-31 at the South Mason Youth Soccer Park near Shelton. Although pandemic restrictions continue to prohibit the festival to be held the Performing Arts Center, event organizers, Duane Wilson and Greg Linder were excited by the opportunities presented by the 2021 outdoor festival format. “We missed the comfort and all of the amenities that the school theater had to offer but the space in our new outdoor location is fantastic. We had fifteen acres to spread people out. The campers were on site and everyone had a great time!" And spread-out they did. With two stages, a beer and wine garden, and vendors near the stages. The festival also now accommodate two RV parking areas and lots of grassy tent sites for out of town festival-goers or for locals who want to be part of the whole experience. There are no showers or electric hookups but the restrooms with running hot water will be open this year on site. The facility directly to the east of the soccer park is Mason County Recreation. This public park has picnic areas, five baseball diamonds and four batting cages. and is an excellent space for family time, jogging, power walking or a quiet walk in the outfields.
Bluegrass from the Forest was started by Kristmas Town Kiwanis sixteen years ago to raise funds for a restroom at Callannan Park in Shelton. Over the years proceeds from the Festival have funded many projects in Shelton and Mason County, helping the youth of the area. The Chick Rose School of Bluegrass is a very special program offered through the Festival weekend for kids who want to play bluegrass music. Founded by Chick Rose, who passed away in 2012, it continues in his memory and in the music of the many children who participate. The program begins on the Saturday morning of the festival. Children are divided into small groups according to their musical ability and are coached by advanced musicians. The program culminates in a special short performance of all the kids on Saturday afternoon on the main stage. There is no extra charge for the kids to be in this program – the goal is to fill the stage with kids and bluegrass music.
The Festival’s program lineup features four concerts (of three bands each) throughout the three days highlighting some of the top talent on the west coast. Bluegrass from the Forest plans to host its legendary workopen mics, mandolin FJORD shops, banjo contest,60
60
