The third annual Bluegrass Festival at the North Barton Grange features three bands this year. Pictured is Louie Setzer and the Appalachian Mountain Boys. A Barton favorite and their third time at the Festival, the band’s music is played across the U.S. as well as internationally. Also performing will be the Mathews Family Tradition and Slewfoot Bluegrass. (Provided photos)
The North Barton Grange, located at 1363 Ellis Creek Rd. in Waverly, N.Y., is holding its third annual Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Three bluegrass bands, food, vendors and activities highlight the event. New this year is a display, which will showcase photos and articles about the historic 1874 North Barton Grange.
The North Barton Grange, located at 1363 Ellis Creek Rd. in Waverly, N.Y., is holding its third annual Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Bluegrass fans will be pleased to hear that the festival this year features three bands on a newly renovated stage, playing traditional bluegrass with a twist of country.
Returning for the third year in a row is the Scranton, Pa. and N.J. based band, Louie Setzer and the Appalachian Mountain Boys, and also performing will be the Mathews Family Tradition out of Van Etten, N.Y. and Slewfoot Bluegrass, a band originally formed in Schuyler County, N.Y.
Tickets are $10 each if purchased before Aug. 31 and $15 if purchased at the gate, or after Aug. 31. Children aged 16 and under are free with a paying adult. Proceeds benefit the North Barton Grange.
The event that drew about 300 last year, and even organizer Bev Randall shared, “We hope to double attendance this year.”
The festival includes a chicken barbeque, a food tent and concession stand, raffles for prizes, a Chinese auction and children’s activities, including old-fashioned fun games like sack races, three-legged races and balloon darts.
Several craft and merchandise vendors will host tables at the festival, and a bake sale offering buy-a-slice desserts will be available. New this year at the festival is a display that will showcase photos and articles about the history of the North Barton Grange.
It is the hope of Grange members that the establishment remains a vital community-gathering place.
The Grange, the first chartered in Tioga County in 1874, and the last remaining active grange today, was the social hub of the community back-in-the-day and has continued to provide the community with activities and events since, one of which is the popular monthly tractor pulls.
The Grange also holds several free events each year, such as an annual Easter egg hunt, a Halloween party and hayride, and a Christmas party. In addition, the Grange hosts a June community day and supports the Tioga Central and Waverly School Districts by donating educational materials.
Advance tickets for the Bluegrass Festival can be purchased at Tom’s Hardware, 615 Cayuta Ave. in Waverly or at TJ’s Market located at 1729 Route 17C in Barton. Tickets can also be arranged for pick-up or be mailed by calling Bev Randall at (607) 687-1678.
Signs to the Bluegrass Festival will be clearly posted. From Rte. 17C, turn on Ellis Creek Road, located between Barton and Waverly, and follow the signs to the North Barton Grange. Free parking will be provided.
For additional information, visit the North Barton Grange on Facebook or contact Bev Randall at (607) 687-1678.
