| By Bob Weaver
Sonny Lowers plays Bluegrass
It is quickly becoming one of Calhoun's nicest annual events - the 4th Annual
Firemen's Bluegrass Festival at the Upper West Fork Park along State Route
16 near Chloe. The festival runs from August 9-11. Volunteer Fireman Sonny
Lowers said the "show is on," just returning home after multiple-bypass
surgery and a heart attack.
Lowers says he will have lots of help with the country-flavored, old time
blue-grass event that continues to draw larger crowds each year. "It is great,
clean family entertainment," he said. "We hope to have a lot of people
visiting this year."
Families bring their campers from all over the country to rent-a-space on the
festival grounds at rock bottom prices. Most people come and spend the
whole day and evening. Lowers said the festival has tried to keep the music
local, featuring area bluegrass talent. "These are groups that often don't play
on the bluegrass circuit. Local fellers," he said.
Lots of folks were surprised last year by the gigantic fireworks display that
lit you the West Fork Valley, a feature on Saturday night. There will be the
usual contests, flea market ($15 set-up, no food), crafters, pig roast,
camping, food and side events, but the big attraction will be the musicians
who take the stage during the three-day event.
Thursday August 9
Jam Session 7 to 11 p.m.
Friday August 10
Bill Triplett and Big Otter Bluegrass (6 p.m.)
Paul Cottrell and High Mountain Bluegrass (7 p.m.)
Sonny Lowers and Roane County Bluegrass (8 p.m.)
Denny Dobbins and Friends (9 p.m.)
Carm Tanner and The Spirits of Bluegrass (10 p.m.)
Next Exit (11 p.m.)
Saturday August 11
Paul Cottrell and High Mountain Bluegrass (12 noon)
Denny Dobbins and Friends (1 p.m.)
Bill Triplett and Big Otter Bluegrass (2 p.m.)
Ray Cadle and Green Mountain Boys (3 p.m.)
Sonny Lowers and Roane County Bluegrass (4 p.m.)
Next Exit (5 p.m.)
Bluegrass Mountain Express (6 p.m.)
CROWNING of King and Queen (6:45 p.m.)
Carm Tanner and The Spirit of Bluegrass (7 p.m.)
Denny Dobbins and Friends (8 p.m.)
Bill Triplett and Big Otter Bluegrass (9 p.m.)
FIREWORKS 9:30 p.m.)
Ray Cadle and Green Mountain Boys (10 p.m.)
Paul Cottrell and High Mountain Bluegrass (11 p.m.)
There will be a meeting at the Upper West Fork Fire Department on July 23
at 7 p.m. to make arrangements for cooking and kitchen plans for the
Firemens Bluegrass Festival.
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