This year’s NEPA Bluegrass Festival, which starts on Thursday, June 2 at Lazy Brook Park in Tunkhannock, will feature a wide variety of family-oriented activities including a Fairy Garden Party (top) for youngsters and music workshops for instrumentalists (above) on Saturday, June 4.
The NEPA Bluegrass Festival, which is slated for Thursday through Sunday, June 2 to 5, will feature nearly 20 traditional and progressive bluegrass bands, jam sessions, and spontaneous “pickin’ parties” throughout the weekend. But there will be much more going on than music.
NEPA Bluegrass has gained a solid reputation as a family-friendly event, with numerous other activities planned for folks to enjoy. While many families find their way to Tunkhannock Creek to wade, float or kayak in the refreshing, meandering waters, others take advantage of workshops and programs conducted across Lazy Brook Park.
“We try to add new activities each year that will appeal to a wide range of ages and interests.” said Christa Stewart, who organizes the event with her husband, Danny Stewart.
Children 12 and under are invited to NEPA Bluegrass with their parents and grandparents at no additional charge, and a complete list of children’s activities will be available at the gate as families arrive at Lazy Brook Park. Families will find two playgrounds, walking paths, and whimsical pieces of art that serve as great backdrops for photos.
The Kids Corner, held on Saturday, is a growing attraction at the festival and will feature a Fairy Garden Party this year. Princess Amber Shank from Philadelphia will guide children through songs, dancing and a take-home craft project.
There will also be a scavenger hunt, yoga class, and story telling. A paint-your-own mask class for children will be offered on Friday, June 3, at an additional $10 fee. No registration is required.
For adults, there will be a Paint and Sip Party at 4 pm on Friday afternoon. Festival goers with a love for the arts may join artist Rebecca Collins to create a unique keepsake. Seating is limited to the first 30 people who register at 610-239-2627. Paints, canvas, and brushes will be supplied for $30. Participants are invited to brings drinks and snacks.
Festival goers are invited to participate in a series of workshops offered on Saturday, beginning with Yoga by the Creek with Justine Stewart at 10 am. Additional workshops for those who bring their instruments include Guitar Maintenance with Dave Strunk, Fiddle with Chris Shank (of Nothin’ Fancy), Beginner Guitar with Rod Amadio, Banjo with Uncle George, and Mandolin with Danny Stewart Sr.
Another new feature at the festival this year will be a visit from the Wyoming County Humane Society. WCHS members will be accepting donations to meet the many needs of the animals they harbor.
“I am asking that donations be made in the memory of my dog, Sadie, who passed away in November 2015,” Stewart related. “This is my way of honoring her.”
For more information about the festival, log on to www.NEPABluegrass.com.
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