May 28-30...  This was our 16th year to visit Union Grove, NC for the Fiddler's Grove Ole Time Fiddlers and Bluegrass Festival.  The competition is currently in its 80th consecutive year after being originated in 1924 by H. P. Van Hoy.  Along with exciting bluegrass and old-time band and individual competition, the weekend featured concerts by The Kruger Brothers, Robin Warren and Spirit Fiddle, Mel Jones, the Trantham Family, Laura Boosinger, Hal Beaver and Blackgrass, Dove award winner Taylor Dunn and more.  We camped the whole weekend behind the barn in the traditional Camp Cockman site.  The Cockman Family performed each night and twice on Sunday.  Benjamin taught the mandolin workshop, and I taught the bluegrass fiddle workshop.  There were also several performances by the Cockman Brothers with Joseph Gabriel and Bobby on the drums.  The highlight for me was when Ben and I got into a three-hour jam with the super-talented (and all-around fun) Kruger Brothers.

Fiddler's grove is America's oldest continuous fiddler's convention, and received the "Local Legacy Award" from the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.  Harper and Wansie Van Hoy work tirelessly in preparation for this annual event, along with their children and grandchildren.  They make an extreme effort to provide guests with a clean, family-style atmosphere.  Their spirit is received and amplified by the hundreds of musicians and singers in attendance, giving the festival the feel of a big family reunion.  The Fiddler's Grove Archives building is reaching its finishing stages.  Soon it will be open with photos, historical information, and all audio recordings from 1079 on.  Harper's newly landscaped campground was beautiful, and the weather was almost perfect for this special event.  For more information visit www.fiddlersgrove.com.

Fiddler's Grove Fiddler's Festival 2000
Fiddler's Grove Fiddler's Festival 2002
Fiddler's Grove Fiddler's Festival 2003