Musicians gather at Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddlers’ Jamboree
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HOLLADAY, Tenn. — Thousands of people from across the state and country flocked to one of the most famous music festivals held in West Tennessee. The 59th annual Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddlers’ Jamboree in Holladay brought in the crowds. “We have contestants from Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and just about anywhere in the Mid-South,” Keith Arnold said. “They will come down to play bluegrass with us.” More than 100 contestants took the stage. “You play two songs from a category and that’s it, and then they select the top five winners,” Kurt Stephenson said. Contestants from across the country compete in more than 15 competitions. More than $6,000 in cash was handed out to some of the best fiddlers in the world. The profits received from the event go to a good cause as well. “All the money we get here, we use it for the PTA,” Arnold said. “It consists of parents and teachers of Holladay to buy supplies for the school.” It’s not only the competition that draws crowds, but jam sessions scattered across the parking lots draw large groups who desire to hear the legendary sounds of bluegrass. “Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you can up and join us,” Coley Graves said. “This is how you get started. This is the best way in the world to get started and see if you like it.” Organizers say more than 2,000 people attended Saturdays festival. Traditionally, the festival is held every year on the third Saturday of April.
