Pickers Festival just around the bend

Fern Hill plays Bluegrass in the style of classic 1950's bands. Lead singer Paul Smith also strums rhythm guitar with Mike Eisler, fiddle and vocals; Steve Bond, bass and vocals; Rollie Champe mandolin and vocals and John Van Brocklin 5-string banjo and vocals.

Winlock residents are getting ready for the 15th annual Winlock Pickers Festival that is scheduled July 9-12.

This year headliner David Grier will be on stage along with Fern Hill, Rio Con Brio, the Roosevelt Band and National Fiddle Champion, Aarun Carter and country roots icon, Jonathan Trawick Jonathan performing as Well Swung.

Outside of the non-stop music several workshops will be held on guitar, dobro, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and bass. Grier will hold a separate workshop on guitar.
Those interested in attending a workshop need to meet at the covered picnic area by the kitchen (behind the audience area). Once a count of attendees has been made each group will head out to their designated area for the workshop. All workshops will be held from 9 - 10 am, Saturday. The Grier workshop will run from 10:30 - noon.

Campers can arrive as early as noon on Thursday, July 9 with the festivities starting the following day. Some jamming will be conducted on Thursday of course.
Winolequa Park has plenty of room for dry camping. The $10 per night camping fee goes directly to the park. There are mowed grassy areas for rigs and tents as well as a separate area for tents only.

Upon entering the park, there is also a dirt road that goes beyond the fencing and which leads to shady camping spots under the trees. There is a smallish turn around on this road, so it is not recommended for big rigs.

There are wheelchair accessible restrooms (flush toilets) directly behind the concert seating area (grassy knoll). Additionally, there will be port-a-potties placed nearer to the camping areas. There are no shower facilities at the park.

A children's playground is adjacent to the stage area so parents and caregivers can enjoy performances while children play. Winolequa Park is a family friendly spot.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Friday: $10 (WAMA Members $7), Saturday: $10 (WAMA Members $7)
• Sunday: Free
• Camping: $10 per night (camping fees go to the park)

This festival is a labor of love put on by the Washington Acoustic Music Association (WAMA). It is an all volunteer effort made possible by fundraising done throughout the year. Regardless of where you live, please consider supporting this organization.