LOWER LAKE — Music enthusiasts, park supporters, art lovers, community resource providers and other guests from near and far packed Anderson Marsh State Historic Park on Saturday for the fifth annual Old Time Bluegrass Festival. Great music combined with great food and an array of activities served up a fun-filled day enjoyed by hundreds.
The nine-hour event featured multiple headlining bands including the Anderson Family Bluegrass Band consisting of descendants of the park”s namesake; music workshops, children”s activities, food and craft vendors, art displays and wine and beer garden and more. The event is an annual fundraiser supporting local non-profits. This year the funds were also raised for area first responders.
“It”s a lovely turnout. I would say we have a little more people here than last year,” Gae Henry of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA), which coordinated the event, said. “I think people are having a great time; the weather”s great and we have some really wonderful vendors here this year.”
AMIA member Henry Bornstein said he was impressed with the response the music workshops received. “The workshops are really taking off this year,” he said. “People are bringing their instruments and all the workshops have been full.”
Bluegrass musicians kept seats in front of the stage filled throughout the day. Entertainers fiddling and picking their ways into the heart of the event included John Reischman and the Jay Bird Trio, Pat Ikes and Bound to Ride, Bill Evans and Megan Lynch, Fur Dixon and Steve Werner, Rita Hosking, Uncorked with Darin Smith, 3 Deep, Cobb Stompers, The Konocti Fiddle Club, the Clear Lake Clikkers and the Anderson Family Bluegrass Band.
“The Anderson kids were awesome. We had to buy one of their CDs,” Scott and Cathey Seames said. “Their parents have a lot to be proud of.”
Each year a group of Carl? High School students contribute a tremendous amount of energy and time to the success of the event. This year was no different and their efforts did not go unappreciated. “As always the Carl? kids have been great. They have been working very hard and they are enjoying it. They have been setting up booths, cleaning up, carrying instruments; anything that needs done, they do it,” Bornstein said. “It”s clear to me we could not pull this off without them.”
Other school and youth organizations found opportunity to earn a little cash and represent their schools and programs as well. East Lake Elementary School”s shaved ice booth was a big hit on the hot day as were the Girl Scouts” icy offerings. Other students raised funds for a trip to Washington, DC and aspiring welders from Lower Lake High School showcased the results of their educational projects.
A favorite display at the Bluegrass Festival, “Art in the Barn” welcomed a variety of artists who showcased their talents. Renowned local artists Marybeth Alteneder made her fourth appearance in the show. “It”s a wonderful event and it”s great hearing the bluegrass music all day,” she said. “I”m just a country girl at heart and I feel right at home in a barn.”
Other highlights of the event included guided nature walks and tours of the Anderson Marsh Ranch House. Members of the Anderson Family who participated in this year”s event were scheduled for a private tour of their family”s pioneer residence on Sunday.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
