2012 Washington County Bluegrass Festival

Washington County invites the community to the scenic Lake Elmo Park Reserve 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, for the 11th annual Washington County Bluegrass Festival.

This year’s festival will feature four local bluegrass bands, the Roe Family Singers, High Strung String Band, Barley Jacks with Brian Wicklund, and the High 48s with Marty Marone of Tangled Roots.

Located within the 2,200-acre Lake Elmo Park Reserve, the venue provides a naturally peaceful outdoor setting perfect for large groups. Visitors are encouraged to bring camping chairs and/or blankets for comfortable seating.

This is a family-friendly event and will feature a variety of food vendors, merchandise (festival T-shirt), face-painting, and more. Nearby the shelter are several barbeque grills, a large playground area, biking trails, and a boat launch for additional activities on this day.

This event is free with a valid vehicle permit ($5/day or $25/annual). Park permits may be purchased at any park contact station during regular business hours. For more information on park permits and reservations, see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks under the hours and fees tab. Annual park permits are valid for 12 months at all Washington County, Carver County, and Anoka County parks.  “Go Green” and enter the park for free (no permit required) by biking or walking.

The bluegrass line-up is:

• 3 p.m.  Roe Family Singers;
• 4 p.m.  High Strung String Band;
• 5 p.m.  Barley Jacks with Brian Wicklund;
• 6 p.m.  High 48s.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve is in the east metro at the intersection of County Road 19 and County Road 10 (one mile north of Interstate 94) in Lake Elmo.  

The festival will take place at the South Picnic Shelter. For additional information and festival details, see www.co.washington.mn.us/parks  under programs/events, then Bluegrass Festival, or give the contact station a call at 651-430-8370. Camping reservations are available at the park campground, although reservations are not required to attend. Pets are not permitted in the campground or at the festival site.

The event is sponsored by Washington County Parks, Jazz 88FM’s “Bluegrass Saturday Mornings” and Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association (MBOTMA).